Keeping safe around water 1. Keep your phone charged so you can call 999 if you need help. 2. Keep clear of the water’s edge - riverbanks can be unstable after very wet or very hot weather. 3. Follow the proper pathways – they're much safer. 4. Avoid unlit routes near water at night and plan a safer path away from the water. 5. A location app on your phone (like What3Words) can help emergency services know your location. Other tips for staying safe near water Be careful when entering cold water to acclimatise rather than jumping in - cold water shock can affect your ability to swim. This can happen in the summer as well as the winter. Alcohol and water don’t mix – annually a number of drowning incidents involve alcohol and/or drugs. Stop and think – take time to assess your surroundings. Look for dangers and always research local signs and advice. Stay Together – when around water, always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue. If someone gets in trouble in the waterAdvice for dog owners when close to water
Keeping safe around water 1. Keep your phone charged so you can call 999 if you need help. 2. Keep clear of the water’s edge - riverbanks can be unstable after very wet or very hot weather. 3. Follow the proper pathways – they're much safer. 4. Avoid unlit routes near water at night and plan a safer path away from the water. 5. A location app on your phone (like What3Words) can help emergency services know your location. Other tips for staying safe near water Be careful when entering cold water to acclimatise rather than jumping in - cold water shock can affect your ability to swim. This can happen in the summer as well as the winter. Alcohol and water don’t mix – annually a number of drowning incidents involve alcohol and/or drugs. Stop and think – take time to assess your surroundings. Look for dangers and always research local signs and advice. Stay Together – when around water, always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue. If someone gets in trouble in the waterAdvice for dog owners when close to water
The majority of inland water fatalities occur whilst taking part in walking, running, swimming or jumping in. In the last 5 years, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 113 water-related incidents. 12 lives were tragically claimed during this period. In 2017 Robbie Lea tragically died in Lea Valley Park. The Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership highlights the dangers of swimming in open water.
If someone gets in trouble in the water If you come across someone, in trouble in the water here’s what to do. Phone 999 straight away to get help. Ask for the fire service – never enter the water to attempt a rescue. Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back. Reassure them from a safe place. Keep them in sight. Throw something that floats if it is safe to do so If you fall into the water, Float to Live. What to do when you call 999.
RNLI water safety: Know the risks in and beside the water Pubs and entertainment venues near water We're offering pubs and entertainment venues near water training on how to use a throwline. It could a life. To find out more, go to cpd.customerservices@hertfordshire.gov.uk.