Did you know? How to stay safe around water
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents and visitors to take extra care near open water, and we fully support this advice for your safety.
Fire and rescue services across the country have recently attended incidents where people have got into difficulty in water, some with devastating consequences, as highlighted in the national news.
Cold water shock, strong currents, hidden hazards and deep water can affect even strong swimmers.
While lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and the coast can seem inviting in warm weather, dangers beneath the surface can quickly turn a day out into a tragedy. We want people to enjoy themselves, but water can be extremely dangerous and conditions can change rapidly.
Top safety advice:
- never jump into open water, especially after drinking alcohol
- always supervise children closely near water
- avoid swimming in reservoirs, rivers or canals, where conditions can be unpredictable - for example, the River Arun has powerful currents, particularly where it meets the sea
- be aware of what lies beneath the surface - hidden dangers aren't always visible, so don't jump into the unknown
- follow warning signs and local safety advice and look out for red flags on beaches indicating dangerous conditions
- if walking near water, keep dogs on leads where appropriate and avoid entering the water to rescue pets
- carry a means of calling for help wherever possible
If someone gets into difficulty in the water:
- call 999 immediately and ask for the fire and rescue service (inland) or the Coastguard (at the coast)
- encourage the person to float on their back
throw them something that floats
do not enter the water yourself unless you are trained
We often share the RNLI's 'Float to Live' advice on our social media channels: tilt your head back with ears submerged, try to relax and control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat, then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
Please take a moment to look at the RNLI video and share it with loved ones - it could save a life.
The easiest way to stay safe is to avoid unnecessary risks and look out for family and friends, especially children and young people.