How To Avoid Drowning & Stay Safe in the Water

In 2022 alone, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) lifeboat crews helped over 16,000 people. Even with their help, 140 people die by accident every year at Britain’s coasts.  Many fatalities could be avoided if people were more informed about the dangers and had some basic emergency first aid skills, as taught in our first aid courses. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the dangers associated with the UK’s waters and share advice to help you keep your families safe.

Why are we so seemingly unaware of the dangers of UK waters?

It’s probably because we are not used to hot weather and wild swimming.  On these unusually hot days, we flock to the beaches and cool down in the sea with little forethought about what may be lurking out there. Alternatively, we can be tempted to take a dip in inland waters, such as rivers and quarries. Thrill-seekers amongst us may even tombstone (jumping from heights), despite the warnings. Although drownings often receive coverage in the papers, it can be tempting to believe that the danger doesn’t apply to us.  A few weeks ago, following the unfortunate drowning of a young lad at a popular picnic site, Lee Heard, Charity Director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), said: “Every year during the summer we see a sharp rise in the number of accidental drownings in the UK as many people look to cool off on hot summer days like we are experiencing currently… In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK.”  

Where do most drownings take place?

According to the Water Incident Research Hub, “75% of fatal drownings in the UK occur at inland water sites, with 15% at coastal sites and less than 10% at pools or in residential settings.”

Are children still at risk of drowning?

Unfortunately, yes. According to a National Child Mortality Database report, there was an 85% increase in the number of child drownings in England from 2019 to 2022, with children from minority ethnic groups and families from deprived areas most at risk. Inland water was the most common place of drowning for those aged 15-17.

How can you stay safe on the beach?

The RNLI urges people to “respect the water and only swim where there are lifeguards”. RNLI lifeguards have been patrolling UK beaches since 2001. As the RNLI website states, “For the best chance of survival, you need someone on the beach who can see the dangers develop: someone who can prevent accidents before they happen and respond instantly if they occur.” In 2023, RNLI lifeguards carried out almost three million preventative actions. In addition, they attended 14,213 incidents, helped 19,979 people, and saved 86 lives.  Following these simple rules will help you stay safe:

• Swim where there are lifeguards. You can use the RNLI’s interactive map to find a suitable beach.
• Remember that the area between the two red and yellow flags is patrolled by lifeguards and is the safest place to swim and bodyboard
• Don’t swim in the area between black and white chequered flags. This is for water sports like surfing and kayaking
• Check for windsocks. An orange windsock means strong or offshore wind and inflatables should not be used in these conditions
• Never go into the water if a red flag is flying
• Don’t let children swim alone

What should you do if you get into trouble in the sea?

Teach your family the following rules and skills:

• Raise your hand if you need help
• Learn how to Float to Live (watching the video is the easiest way to do this)
• Learn how to spot a rip current

What is a rip current?

A rip current is a narrow channel of fast-moving water and they can be difficult to spot. “They can sometimes be identified by a channel of churning, choppy water or debris on the sea’s surface,” explains the RNLI. They are dangerous as they can drag people out to sea and can reach up to 4.5 mph (7.2km/h). It may not sound fast but to put it into perspective it is quicker than Team GB swimmer Adam Peaty’s world-record pace in the 100m breaststroke at the Rio Olympics.

What should you do if you are caught in a rip current?

Here’s what to do if you are caught in a rip current:

• Keep calm, raise your hand and shout for help
• If it’s a rip current, don’t swim against it.  It’s almost impossible to swim faster than a powerful rip, so trying will just lead to exhaustion
• If the water is shallow enough stand, rather than swim. If not, try to swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the rip, then head for shore

What should you do if you see someone in trouble in the water?

The RNLI advises that you “ “Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others.” Instead:

• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you’re inland, dial 999 and ask for Fire & Rescue
• If you can, grab something that floats or something that a struggling person can hold on to then throw it in

If you do attempt to rescue someone, keep them as horizontal as you can during the rescue. Check their airway and breathing. Be prepared to resuscitate, if necessary.

Should you always get help for someone?

Always call 999/112 for emergency help, even if the person appears to recover from a drowning. Just a tiny amount of water in the lungs can cause a delayed reaction and sudden, severe difficulty in breathing. This is called secondary drowning and it can be fatal.

How can you avoid other coastal risks?

One of the issues of coastal emergencies is that people get cut off by rising water. Always check the tides before walking along beaches. You also need to be aware of other dangers such as falling rocks. And remember:

• Never swim alone
• Supervise children at all times
• Don’t go into the sea after drinking alcohol
• Don’t jump from a height into the sea

“Respect the water,” says Kester Sheppard of the RNLI. “It’s like a fire. If you could see a burning fire you wouldn’t walk towards it – would you?”

Where can you find more information about drowning and water safety?

RLSS UK has published online resources in advance of Drowning Prevention Week (15-22 June 2024). You can find free water safety education resources aimed at families, carers, teachers and instructors of children aged five to 15 on its website. You can also find lots of useful info and videos on the RNLI website.