Water safety – Important message for parents and schools
Key messages for Parents and Schools – Final
Following recent tragic incidents involving water, this is an important reminder of how
quickly situations can change. As the weather gets warmer, more children and young
people are spending time around rivers, lakes and the coast, increasing the risk of
harm.
Even on hot days, open water can be dangerously cold, and conditions are often
unpredictable.
Children and young people may not always recognise these risks, so it’s vital that
key safety messages are shared.
Key water safety messages
Please help reinforce the following advice with children and young people:
• Stop and Think: Check for hidden hazards such as deep water, currents
and cold temperatures
• Stay Together: Never go into or near water alone; choose areas with
lifeguards where possible
• Call 999 in an emergency: Ask for the Coastguard at the coast, or Fire &
Rescue if you are inland
• Float – If you fall in, stay calm, float on your back and control your
breathing
Cold water shock
Many recent incidents have involved cold water. Even strong swimmers can be
affected. Sudden immersion can cause panic, loss of breathing control and reduced
ability to swim.
If you fall into water:
• Try to stay calm: The effects of cold water shock usually pass within the first
minute
• Float on your back to regain control of your breathing
• Once calm, call for help or swim to safety if possible
A Life-saving skill: Float to Live
Teaching children how to float could save a life:
• Tilt your head back with ears in the water
• Relax and breathe slowly
• Move hands and feet gently to stay afloat
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