Water safety in warmer weather
As the weather is gets warmer and the nights get brighter, we are starting to spend more time enjoying the beautiful lakes, rivers and coastlines that Devon and Somerset has to offer.
Safety around water is important to understand even if you are planning on staying dry the whole time. It’s a startling fact that more people drown from ending up in the water when running or walking than those who drown when swimming. In the last 12 months we have attended an average of nearly one water rescue a week, not including flooding incidents. It might not sound like a lot, but these kinds of incidents have a much higher fatality rate than many other kinds of incidents we attend.
Every second can count when it comes to water rescue. Follow our tips to on what to do if someone fall into the water.
What to do if someone falls into the water
- Never go into the water to try to save someone. You could experience cold water shock which will leave you unable to help, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
- Call 999 immediately. If you’re near the coast, ask for a coastguard. If you are inland, ask for the fire, and ambulance services.
- Tell the emergency services where you are. You can use your phone, but if you don’t have one or you can’t access location tools then try looking for landmarks or signs that could help the services find you. We recommend downloading the What3Words app to help with pinpointing your location.
- If the person can swim, shout “swim to me!” The water can be disorientating, but this could help give them a focus. Keep instructions loud, clear, and consistent.
- Look for lifebelts or throw bags you can use. Read about how to use a throwline (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/outdoors/how-use-throwline).
- If there isn’t any lifesaving equipment, look for other things that could help them stay afloat, such as a ball. You can even use a scarf or long stick to help pull someone out of the water.
- If you do this this, lie on the ground so your entire body is safely on the edge and reach out with your arm. Don’t stand up or lean over the water, as you might get pulled in.
Steve Fisher from our Prevention Team spent time earlier this month on Exeter Quay - a popular destination for riverside walks.
Steve spoke to runners, dog walkers and cyclists about the dangers of being close to water and raised awareness of the locations of life saving equipment along busy routes.
Steve had this advice: “If you are running, walking, or cycling in and around our inland water ways please think water safety. Around 40% of people who accidentally drown had no intention of entering the water and fell in while participating in activities alongside rivers, lakes, and canals.
“Please try to remain at least three metres from the water’s edge and should you find yourself in the water follow the RNLI’s Float To Live advice (https://rnli.org/safety/float?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwxLKxBhA7EiwAXO0R0D4BVJ0W-1f-gU9RL_E30JuXVEGeUBLfYXIZePjV1_IsUwTPPDw7nxoCbZ8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds).”
