Published Wednesday 28 April 2021 at 9:34
Blackburn with Darwen Council are joining Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services (LRF) in backing the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) #BeWaterAware campaign as part of drowning prevention week, taking place from 26 April – 2 May 2021.
With the weather heating up, we know how tempting it can be to take a dip in the cool, open water.
However, there can be a number of hidden dangers across our open water sites in Lancashire.
From water temperature, to steep sides and hidden obstacles – the water may look calm and inviting, but it might not be so willing to let you go.
If you get into trouble in open water, please try and follow these five safety steps:
- Fight your instinct to swim hard or thrash about
- Lean back, extend your arms and legs
- Gently move your arms and legs to help you float
- Float until you can control your breathing
- Call for help or swim to safety
Water under 15 degrees can trigger cold water shock, numbing your arms and legs, leaving you unable to swim.
In the UK, most of our open water sites, such as reservoirs, rarely get above 12 degrees. We are urging all residents to please avoid swimming in open water!
The average person can hold their breath for 45 seconds. If you fall into water, the effects of cold water shock, waves/currents and hidden dangers lurking underneath the water mean you could drown in less than 10 seconds.
44% of people who drowned in the UK in 2019 did not intentionally go into the water.
Experienced swimmers can drown, people just dipping in the water to cool off can drown – anyone can drown.
15 people across Lancashire have sadly lost their lives by drowning in open water. Please don’t let yourself or someone you love become a statistic. Share the message and #BeWaterAware.
If you are planning to paddle in the sea this summer, please watch this video from the Royal Life Saving Society UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EfBsKzfLcM.
Remember:
- It’s colder than it looks
- The current is stronger than it looks
- Never swim alone so someone is there to help you if you need it
- Don’t go too far from the shore
- Find a lifeguarded swimming site
The aims of RLSS UK are to promote water safety education and life support in the community. We do this through training lifesavers and lifeguards in the areas of accident prevention, survival, rescue, life support, emergency aftercare and first aid. Life support in the community is delivered through the Outreach Programmes which consists of Save a Baby’s Life, Save a Child’s Life, Save a Life (Adult) and also how to use a Defibrillator.
The Society’s motto is: ‘Whomsoever you see in distress, recognise in him a fellow human being.’