An Open Water Warning: Swim safely this summer

During the recent heatwave over May half term, news outlets reported a spate of deaths in open water over just a few days that once again emphasised the importance of understanding water safety, particularly for young people.

By the time of writing this article, water-related deaths reported include:

• 12-year old Junior Slater drowned while swimming in the River Ribble in Ribchester, Lancashire
• 13-year old Reco Puttock died in Leadbeater Dam, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• 16-year old Lillianna Tomlinson died in Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire
• A teenage boy died in a lake in Rother Valley Country Park
• 15-year old Declan Sawyer died at Swanholme Lakes, Lincoln
• A 60-year old man died after entering the sea to help two relatives at Tregirls Beach, Cornwall
• A 72-year old woman died in the water at Angle Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
• A 17-year old boy died while swimming in Pickmere Lake, Knutsford, Cheshire
• A teenage boy died in Hawley Lake, Farnborough
• A 15-year old boy died in a pond in Swanscombe, Kent
• A 14-year old boy died in the River Thames, Oxford

The Royal Life Saving Society UK reports that, in the last 5 years, 90% of accidental drownings occurred at open water sites, either inland or on the coast. And figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal that, in 2025, more accidental deaths by drowning occurred inland than on the coast for 7 years in a row.

Every year during warmer months, people entering lakes, reservoirs, ponds, canals and rivers to swim leads to injury and accidental deaths.

We know how tempting a dip might be, but everyone in our community – including children, teens and their parents – should be aware of the dangers of swimming in unsupervised open water to avoid preventable injuries and deaths.

No dare, photo opportunity or warm temperature is worth the risk.

Do you know the dangers of swimming in open water?

• Water is still very cold, even when the weather is hot
• Sudden immersion can lead to cold water shock, causing you to gasp and breathe in water
• Cold water shock makes swimming difficult, and makes it harder to get out of the water
• Lack of safety equipment
• Rescues can be difficult and dangerous
• If “tombstoning” (jumping in from height), the height of the fall, and the safety and depth of the water you enter
• Riverbanks, cliff or quarry edges, reservoirs and canals may be unstable and difficult to climb onto when getting out. Can you get out safely?
• It’s hard to see how deep, or how shallow, the water is. Water depth is changeable and unpredictable
• Debris, equipment and structures may sit below the water line, causing injury or trapping you
• Hidden and strong currents are difficult to swim against and may quickly take you away from safety
• Do not carry out any activities near water if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs
• If you’re visiting a beach, choose one with a lifeguard on patrol and understand which flags are flying. Only enter the water in the zones monitored by the lifeguard  

How can I swim outdoors safely?

Swimming in open water does carry many benefits to our health and wellbeing though. From boosting your immune system and improving blood circulation, to improving fitness and mental health, open water swimming is a great experience.

We have many swimmers in our Pelican community who enjoy swimming in both our pool and the great outdoors, and by following some simple tips you and your family can enjoy water outdoors safely too.

• Don’t swim alone – swim with a friend or an open water swimming group
• Try an open water taster or introduction session at an open water venue if you can. These are instructor-led and give you great guidance and tips on how to swim safely, what to look for and the equipment you need
• Tell someone else where you’re going and who you’re with
• Choose to swim somewhere with mobile phone signal
• Choose a venue known for safe swimming conditions
• Understand and check the type of ground below and around the surface  
• Check the temperature of the water before you get in – be sure that you can tolerate the temperature according to your own cold water experience   
• Swim in a venue with lifeguard supervision, or an accredited open water swim venue
• Know where your entry and exit points are, including exit points along your swim route
• Understand how factors such as wind speed and direction, currents and visibility might affect your swim
• Take the right equipment with you – this might include a tow float, wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket. Some venues have specific rules about equipment that you must wear or use when swimming, so check their rules before you set off
• Wear a brightly-coloured swim hat to help you stay visible in the water
• Take warm clothes to wear afterwards, especially layers, hat and gloves

Find safe open water venues near you with Beyond Swim

Read more from the RLSS about how to swim safely in open water

Drowning Prevention Week: 13-20th June 2026

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week is an annual campaign that aims to educate our communities, including children and young adults, in essential water safety and lifesaving skills, helping everyone to enjoy water safely.

The Pelican Centre backs Drowning Prevention Week every year, and we’re committed to water safety education that keeps members of our community safe in the water, both indoors and outdoors.

This year’s campaign targets 13-17 year olds. Drowning deaths in this age group have increased by 67% in recent years – preventable deaths that can be avoided by greater understanding, awareness, and speaking up when friends are taking deadly risks around water.

Please share this article and our advice with your children and young people.

It’s only by sharing, communicating and understanding these vital messages that we’ll reduce deaths by drowning.