Water safety: How to stay safe in and around water
- Published
WATCH: Members of the fire service and water rescue teams give their tips on staying safe in and around water
When the weather's warm and sunny it's tempting to go for a splash - but would you know what to do if you got into trouble in the water?
People are being advised not to cool off in rivers, canals, lakes or reservoirs during the UK heatwave.
It's after a 12-year-old girl drowned in the River Irwell in Greater Manchester on 27 June 2019.
In 2018, 263 people lost their lives by accidental drowning in the UK, according to the National Water Safety Forum, and 74 of those happened in rivers.
Newsround went along to a special event where more than a hundred students learnt about water safety at Lee Valley White Water Centre near London.
The police, fire brigade and lifeboat rescue teams all came together to show what to do if you see someone in danger in the water and how to make sure you don't get into trouble yourself.
The day was organised in memory of Robbie Lea, a teenager who drowned in the area.
WATCH: Sameena meets pupils learning how to stay safe around water
Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) says that children should always go swimming with an adult, not by themselves.
You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water outside.
- It is very cold
- There may be hidden currents
- It can be difficult to get out (steep slimy banks)
- It can be deep
- There may be hidden rubbish e.g. shopping trolleys, broken glass
- There are no lifeguards
- The water may be polluted and could make you ill
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