27/05/2026
☀️ It's set to be another hot one in !
If you’re heading out near open water during the sunshine or half-term, please take care:
🏊 Don't swim in open water unless it's part of a licensed, supervised session where lifeguards, rescue-trained kayakers or spotters will be keeping you safe
❌ Never enter lakes, rivers or canals after drinking alcohol
🛟 Keep children supervised near water at all times, and explain the dangers of water to them
✅ If you do get into difficulty in the water, remember: Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears in the water, relax, and focus on controlling your breathing. Gently move your hands and feet until you can reach safety or help arrives.
See more advice from the National Fire Chiefs Council - NFCC below.
As temperatures rise this half-term, we are urging everyone to take extra care around open water.
It might feel tempting to cool off, but rivers, lakes and reservoirs can be dangerously cold even in hot weather. Cold water shock can hit instantly and lead to serious risk.
Water Safety Public Safety Advice:
- Speak to young people about the dangers of open water.
- Swim in supervised locations.
- Do not jump into water to cool off.
- Never enter the water to attempt a rescue – instead call 999 immediately.
- If spending time in, on or around water, install location apps such as what3 words so if an incident should happen emergency services know where you are.
- Do not enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol.
- Make sure you know how to help yourself and other people in the event of a water-related emergency.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:
Read more: https://nfcc.org.uk/fire-chiefs-issue-water-safety-warning-as-hot-weather-continues-across-half-term/
