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Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death across North Yorkshire and the country, in recent years our crews have attended several high profile and tragic drownings, we take water safety extremely seriously and aim to provide safety advice ahead of the warmer months when these incidents increase.

The latest statistics cover 2022 from the Water Incident Database reveal around 40% of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water. Slips, trips and falls were often the cause of these accidents.

Many people also underestimate the dangers of jumping into water or taking a dip to cool off especially those with limited experience of outdoor swimming. Unseen hazards and cold water shock can mean even strong swimmers get into trouble.

We want people to enjoy time in, on and around the water safely. Every year people drown
in coastal and inland waters but many of these deaths are preventable.

Staying safe around open water

North Yorkshire boasts some of the countries most beautiful coastal and inland water beauty spots, and we as service encourage people to visit and enjoy them, however open water can be very dangerous if not treated with respect.

Below we’ve listed advice and produced resources for people to use to stay safe whilst enjoying the water sites our county has to offer.

 

NEVER

  • Never swim alone in case you need help
  • Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland and the Coastguard if you are at the coast
  • Never dive or jump straight into open water, you can't always see the dangers that lurk beneath the surface, this can also cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day and will restrict your ability to swim

AVOID

  • Avoid drinking alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim
  • Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol, especially in poorly lit areas

ALWAYS

  • Always actively supervise children in and around water - drowning can happen fast and silently
  • Always look after your friends who are worse for wear and make sure you help them get home
  • Always plan how you are getting home before you start your night out
  • Always stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge

REMEMBER

  • If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic, extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock passes
  • Alcohol reduces inhibitions and can lead to risky behaviour; it will also impair judgement and control which could reduce your ability to respond to emergencies.
  • Take care if your running route/ dog walking route is near water
  • Ring 999 and ask for the Fire Service, unless its coastal and then ask for the Coastguard

CONSIDER

  • Consider using GPS Apps like What3Words to let the 999 operators know exactly where you are.

Open water swimming

 

Variously termed ‘wild’ and ‘open water’ swimming, this activity is not new but is enjoying something of a revival in the UK. Open water can be used to describe rivers, lakes, natural pools and the sea. Recreational use of water should be encouraged, but equally it is important to enjoy the activity safely. Each year, on average 19 people drown when swimming in open water.

 

Top tips for safer open water swimming
  • Join a club and gain from the experience of others
  • Choose a safe place to swim …at the beach, look for life-guarded areas, inland avoid swimming near to locks and weirs
  • be visible …use a bright and neon swim hat
  • Don’t stay in too long…and when you get out have warm, dry clothes so you can dry off and get your body temperature up to normal.
  • Consider wearing a wet suit in cold water
  • Don’t go alone or make sure people know where you are.
  • Plan Access and Egress …walk into the water in order to allow your body temperature to adjust and to acclimatise and also plan a safe exit location in advance.
  • Wash your hands and face with clean water or using wipes and alcohol gel when you get out and before you eat in case of any contamination or pollution

 

Open water swimming advice provided by the national water safety forum

What you can do if you get into trouble in open water

Remember float to live.

  • If you start to struggle in the water save energy and fight the instinct to thrash around
  • Tilt your head back with ears submerged
  • Relax, breathe normally
  • Move your hands to help you float
  • Spread your arms and legs out
  • Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety

 

Water safety campaign

What we’re doing

Utilising our water safety flumes we’ve demonstrated the hazards involved with open water and delivered water safety advice across the county at,

  • Schools
  • Community events
  • Fire station open days
  • Agricultural shows

 

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