Water safety

Water can be very dangerous

Have fun but always keep safe. There are dangers that can kill in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, ponds and the sea.

Learn to swim
Swimming pools are the safest place to swim.

Water is fun and if you’re sensible and follow the water safety rules you can have a brilliant time with your family and friends.

Remember learning to swim could save your life.

Invisible dangers
Even if you are a strong swimmer there are lots of invisible dangers to be aware of:
• Fast currents, rapids, weirs and rip tides.
• Rubbish such as broken glass, scrap metal, bottles and cans.
• Steep sides.
• Slippery banks and rocks.
• Unknown depths.
• Plants and reeds.
• Very cold water.
• Pollution.
• Rat urine - if you develop flu like symptoms three to 19 days after playing in untreated water go to your   doctor and ask to be tested for Weil's Disease.  This is carried in the urine of rats and can be fatal.

If someone else is in trouble?
What should you do? Stop, think and keep calm.
1. Don't jump in after them - a drowning person is very strong and will cling to anything that they can.  They could quickly push you under water and you do not want to become a casualty too!
2. Shout for assistance, and send for the emergency service (either by dialling 999 on your mobile phone or by getting a volunteer to go to the nearest phone).
3. Shout to the casualty ’to keep their arms in the water and kick their legs’.
4. Try and reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, clothing tied together or anything else that can extend your reach.
5. When reaching from the bank lie down to avoid being pulled into the water.
6. If you cannot reach them then throw something for them to hold onto to stay afloat such as a plastic container, life belt or football.
7. If the casualty is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them.  Wait for the emergency services while calming and reassuring the casualty.

If you are in trouble?
1. Keep calm and call for help.
2. Try to stand up. If the water is too deep but near land try to swim to safety.
3. If you cannot get to land keep signalling for help while slowly treading water to preserve heat and energy.
4. Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check up.

Winter water warning - ice
Don’t forget what might look like an excellent ice-rink is a possible death trap. The ice might seem thick enough to stand on at the edge, but it could be thinner elsewhere and will easily CRACK under your weight. The water will be freezing and it is hard to swim with all your clothes on. It is also possible to become trapped under the ice.

What to do if you do get in trouble with ice.
1. If you do fall through ice, keep calm and call for help. 
2. Spread your arms across the surface of the ice.
3. If the surface is strong enough kick your legs to slide onto the ice. 
4. Lie flat and pull yourself to the bank.
5. If the ice breaks, work your way to the bank breaking the ice in front of you.
6. If you cannot climb out, wait for help and keep as still as possible.  Press your arms by your side and keep your legs together.
7. Once you are safe, go to hospital immediately for a check up.

Take notice of any safety advice or warning signs
ie. Danger deep water
No swimming
Red flag = Danger no swimming

Water safety checklist
If you are near rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, canals, reservoirs or the seaside here are a few things you should remember.

1. Always be accompanied by an adult. Stay close to your group and stay in sight at all times.
2. Never go near water if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs – this is the number one cause of water-related deaths.
3. Stay clear of strong currents, weirs, rapids and reservoirs edges.
4. Watch out for slippery banks, soft sand and rocks.
5. Don’t jump or dive in - you don’t know how deep it is going to be.
6. Wear something on your feet. There may be sharp rocks, rubbish, broken glass etc. under the water.
7. Don’t splash water at other people or push them over - messing around can be dangerous.
8. Never go deeper than welly height when playing in rivers as the strong current can easily knock you over.
9. Cover any cuts and scratches with water proof plasters.
10. Learn to swim it could save your life.

Remember water can be fun but don't forget to think and be safe.