Did you know?
Each year, more people lose their lives to water-related incidents than to house fires.
To help reduce these tragedies, the Water Safety Workgroup highlights the ‘fatal five’ key risks everyone should be aware of:
The Fatal Five
- Cold water shock: Even on warm days, cold water can quickly numb your limbs and affect your ability to breathe, swim, or stay afloat.
- Hidden dangers below the surface: There may be debris, entrapment hazards, pollution, or other dangers you can’t see.
- Currents and changing conditions: Flood water, unpredictable currents, riptides, eddies, ice, and unknown depths can all put you at serious risk.
- Alcohol consumption: Never swim after drinking. Alcohol reduces awareness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Swimming ability: Being confident in a pool does not mean you can safely handle open water. Always swim in designated safe areas or where lifeguards or supervision are present.
If you ever get into difficulty in the water, remember: Float to Live
Lie on your back, keep your head back, relax, and focus on steady breathing until help arrives or you can move to safety.
Report damaged or missing water safety equipment
If you spot an issue with water safety equipment—such as a missing or damaged life ring—please report it so it can be fixed quickly and help keep others safe.
Stay safe around water
Whether you’re at home, on holiday, or enjoying the outdoors, open water carries many risks. For more detailed advice visit the Royal Life Saving Society or the RNLI websites to make sure you and your family stay safe.