26/05/2026
☀️ HEATWAVE WARNING: Stay Safe Around Open Water 🌊
With temperatures rising across Oxfordshire, we know many people will be looking to cool off – but open water can be far more dangerous than it looks.
🚨 Even on a hot day, rivers, lakes and quarries remain very cold, which can trigger cold water shock – causing gasping, panic and making it difficult to swim.
🚨 Many drowning incidents happen when people didn’t intend to enter the water at all, often due to slips or falls near the water’s edge.
🚨 Hidden dangers include strong currents, sudden drops, weeds, debris and difficult exit points.
🔥 Warmer weather also increases the risk – research shows drowning incidents rise significantly during heatwaves.
✅ Our safety advice:
Avoid swimming in open water to cool off – choose supervised areas or swimming pools instead
Stay back from the edge, especially after drinking alcohol
Always supervise children closely around water
Never jump in after someone – Call 999, Tell them to float, and Throw something that floats
For more information on Be Water Aware visit https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/campaigns/be-water-aware/