With warmer weather and six weeks of adventure ahead, families across the UK will be heading outdoors to parks, beaches, rivers and lakes to cool off. While spending time near water can create wonderful memories, recent tragedies across the UK have highlighted just how dangerous open water can be, even on the hottest days.
As parents, it's natural to want children to enjoy the outdoors, but it's also important they understand that rivers, lakes and reservoirs are very different from swimming pools. A fun day out can quickly become dangerous if children don't know the risks.
Why Is Open Water So Dangerous?
When the weather is hot, jumping into a cool lake or river can seem like the perfect idea. The reality is that UK open water is often much colder than it looks, even during heatwaves.
Cold water can trigger cold water shock, causing an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and loss of muscle control within seconds. Strong swimmers can find themselves unable to swim effectively, while hidden currents, sudden drops in depth, underwater debris and slippery banks make rivers and lakes far more hazardous than swimming pools. The RNLI's Float to Live campaign exists because cold water shock is one of the biggest causes of drowning in the UK.
Why Are We Hearing About More Open Water Deaths?
Every summer, particularly during periods of hot weather, emergency services report a rise in incidents involving rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
According to the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), 61% of accidental drowning deaths in the UK in 2024 occurred in inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs.
Recent reports have also highlighted a number of heartbreaking incidents involving children and teenagers entering open water during warm weather, prompting renewed warnings from water safety organisations.
Why Children Are Particularly at Risk
Children are naturally adventurous and often don't recognise hidden dangers. Many rivers appear calm on the surface but have:
- Fast-moving currents underneath
- Sudden deep sections
- Slippery rocks and muddy banks
- Hidden branches or shopping trolleys
- Cold temperatures even in July and August
Older children and teenagers may also feel pressure from friends to jump into water or attempt dares. One conversation before a family day out could genuinely save a life.
Teach Your Children These Water Safety Rules:
Before visiting any river, lake or reservoir this summer, remind children to:
Never swim in unsupervised open water- Rivers and lakes are not designed for swimming unless they are designated, supervised swimming areas.
Never jump or dive into unknown water- The depth may be much shallower than expected, and submerged objects can cause serious injuries.
Stay away from reservoir edges- Reservoirs often have steep sides, hidden machinery and extremely cold water.
Don't follow friends into the water- Children should never enter water simply because others are doing it.
Tell an adult immediately if someone gets into difficulty- Trying to rescue someone yourself can put two lives at risk.
What To Do If Someone Falls Into Water
Teaching children this simple advice could save a life.
DO:
- Call 999 immediately.
- Ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if inland, or the Coastguard if at the coast.
- Throw something that floats if it's safe to do so.
- Encourage the person to float on their back.
DON'T:
- Jump in after them.
- Enter fast-moving water.
- Put yourself in danger.
The RNLI advises anyone who unexpectedly enters cold water to Float to Live:
- Tilt your head back.
- Relax.
- Spread your arms and legs.
- Control your breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass.
- Then call for help or swim to safety if possible.
Safe Ways to Cool Off This Summer
Thankfully, children don't need to swim in rivers or lakes to enjoy the sunshine.
Some safer alternatives include:
- Splash parks
- Supervised swimming pools
- Lifeguarded beaches
- Water play in the garden
- Visiting local leisure centres
- Joining organised holiday clubs with outdoor water games
Start the Conversation Before They Go Out
Many older children spend more time with friends during the summer holidays. Take five minutes before they leave the house to ask:
- Where are you going?
- Will there be water nearby?
- What would you do if someone suggested swimming in a river?
- Do you know how to call for help?
These conversations may feel repetitive, but they help children make safer decisions when adults aren't nearby.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy Summer
Summer is about making memories, building confidence and having fun outdoors. By helping children understand the dangers of open water and encouraging safer places to swim, parents can reduce unnecessary risks while still enjoying everything the holidays have to offer. A little preparation today could prevent a tragedy tomorrow.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK have some great water safety resources on their website including;
Have a fantastic, and safe, summer!