Open water safety advice
19/06/2025
Supervised venues or swimming pools are the safest options
With temperatures rising to 31 Celsius today you may be tempted to take a dip to cool down.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued water safety advice to stop people getting into difficulty in the county’s waterways and lakes.
Activities near water that are known to lead to the highest number of fatalities are walking, running, swimming, and jumping or diving in.
They warn that there are many hazards under the surface that might trap a person or cause serious injury. The advice is to use supervised venues or swimming pools as they are much safer.
The Service’s Deb Forder said: “Open water can look appealing, but it is also very dangerous. That is why the practical advice we’re offering is so important, particularly during the summer when residents are more likely to be tempted to take a dip.
“Please consider things such as letting friends and family know your route near water and what time you should return. Carry a whistle to draw attention if you do get into difficulties.
“If you fall in, remember to relax, lean back and float until you can control your breathing.”
Anyone witnessing someone in trouble in the water should call 999 or 112 and shout for help. They shouldn’t enter the water themselves but instead throw something in that will float.
We’re reminded that even on a warm day, the temperature of the water in a reservoir, quarry or lake can remain very cold, which can numb limbs and claim lives. Moving water could carry strong currents below the surface and even reservoirs have currents, caused by working machinery.
Deb added: “Respect the water, even if you’re a good swimmer and familiar with the river, lake or reservoir. Be water aware.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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