As schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays with a warmer than average summer forecasted by the Met Office, UKHSA is urging families to take simple steps to enjoy the summer break safely and protect their family’s health.
Further heat health alerts could be issued throughout the summer as temperatures rise. Particularly young children can be susceptible to the effects of heat, as well as older age groups. But anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase the risk of becoming unwell if simple precautions are not taken.
UKHSA is joining forces with leading water safety charities to support them in warning young adults of the dangers of cooling off in open water. The advice comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, which aims to raise awareness of measures that can help prevent drowning and save lives.
UKHSA’s advice to families includes
- keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
- try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest – if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening.
- check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler
- knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
While swimming can be a great way to enjoy the summer, open water can present serious and often hidden dangers. Evidence from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) shows that many of these tragedies are preventable. A recent report found that in 87% of child drowning deaths, factors were identified that could have prevented the death, including lack of adult supervision, unsafe environments, accessible water and the absence of safety measures. According to RLSS UK, 90% of accidental drownings over the last five years occurred at open water sites, either inland or on the coast.
Even on warm days, water temperatures can remain dangerously cold. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, causing an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and loss of control in the water.
To stay safe around water
- supervise children closely at all times
- swim at lifeguarded locations whenever possible
- enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature
- be aware that open water is usually much colder than it looks
- leave the water immediately if you begin to feel cold or unwell
- always swim with others and look out for each other
- swim parallel to the shore rather than away from it
- wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid when taking part in activities such as boating, paddleboarding, kayaking or fishing
- carry a means of calling for help whenever possible. If heading out alone, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
- if you get into difficulty in the water, Float to Live by tilting your head back, floating on your back and controlling your breathing until help arrives or you are able to swim to safety
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard if at the coast.
Prof Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said
As schools break up for the summer holidays and families spend more time outdoors, we want everyone to enjoy the warmer weather safely.
Simple steps such as staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, wearing sunscreen and staying aware of the signs of heat exhaustion can help prevent illness during periods of hot weather.
As a parent I know how tempting it can be for young people to cool off and have fun with their friends in open water, but we know just how tragically this can end. If you’re a parent or guardian, please speak to children about the risks of swimming in open water and follow the advice from our partners such as the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Marc Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said
Waterways across the country are popular places for people during the summer months, but they can be very unsafe.
It may be very tempting to jump into the water to cool off on a warm day but people need to be aware of how dangerous it really is. Whilst water may look calm on the surface it can be freezing cold, contain unseen debris and have treacherous undercurrents.
As an emergency service, we’re only too aware of the many lives tragically lost in water incidents across the UK this year and we don’t want to see more over the school summer holiday, so the message is simple; enjoy the warm weather, but please stay out of open water.
Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety Education at the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), said
The warmer summer months unfortunately bring an increased risk of drowning, especially for 13–17-year-olds. RLSS UK encourages everyone to equip themselves, their children, and teenagers, with water safety knowledge and skills, such as being able to float, before heading out to enjoy water safely. Young people can look out for their friends by speaking up if mates are taking dangerous risks around open water.
Ross Macleod, Water Safety Manager at Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RLNI) said
If you are visiting the coast this summer, the best way to keep yourself and others safe is to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. This designated area is actively monitored.
Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live. They should try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
If you see someone else in danger – do not enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious difficulty. Instead, remember phone, float, throw – phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard; tell the struggling person to float; throw them something buoyant, like a life ring.
By remembering this advice and sharing it widely, we can all play a role in helping to save more lives from drowning.
People are encouraged to check the UKHSA Weather Health Alert dashboard and monitor Met Office alerts for the latest information and advice.
