Although the recent spell of hotter weather has passed, many families will continue to spend time near water throughout the year, from autumn coastal walks to outdoor activities during school holidays. With warmer weather set to continue this autumn and sure to return next spring and summer, now is a good time to refresh our understanding of water safety and the simple steps that can help keep children and young people safe. 

Water-related incidents can have a devastating impact on children, families and communities. By raising awareness and having conversations with the children, young people and families we support, we can all play a role in helping prevent tragedy.  

To help increase understanding of water-related risks and how to stay safe, Therapeutic Services manager and drowning prevention specialist Conrad Foote shares his advice. 

“Having worked in drowning prevention for more than 14 years, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact that drowning can have on children, families and communities.  

The good news is that many incidents are preventable through education, awareness and simple safety measures. Whether you are a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker, social worker or community practitioner, you have an important role to play in helping children and families understand the risks around water and how to stay safe.” 

 Drowning can happen quickly and often when people least expect it. That’s why it is important to talk to children and young people about activities that involve water, particularly during school holidays and periods of warm weather. Conversations about swimming, trips to the coast, outdoor swimming or water-based activities can provide valuable opportunities to share potentially life-saving information. 

Understanding the risks  

Drowning is not simply a risk for those who cannot swim. 

Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty due to cold water shock, rip currents, exhaustion, poor weather conditions or unfamiliar environments. 

One of the most important messages Conrad shares is that often people get into difficulty when attempting to rescue someone else, or even a pet.  

“The instinct to help is natural, but entering the water without the necessary training can place multiple people getting at risk.” 

Building awareness within families and communities helps people recognise hazards, make safer choices and know what to do in an emergency. 

Water safety advice 

When spending time in or around water: 

• Have fun in the water but do not take risks and do not go into deep water if you cannot swim. 
• Do not swim beyond your ability – remember that even strong swimmers become tired or get into difficulty. 
• Do not use inflatables in the sea. They should only be used in swimming pools. 
• Check weather forecasts and local water conditions and be aware of any hazards in the area. 
• Never go into or near water alone and always tell someone where you are going. 
• Avoid alcohol when around water – it significantly increases the risk of drowning. 
• Always wear a lifejacket when boating or paddleboarding. 
• Check the depth of the water before entering. 
• Swim in designated safe areas where lifeguards are present whenever possible. 
• Learn to swim and encourage children to develop water confidence safely. 
• If you get into difficulty in water, float on your back in a star shape until help arrives or you can safely return to shore.  

If someone is in difficulty 

Do not attempt an in-water rescue unless you have received appropriate rescue training. 

If someone is in danger: 

• Call for help immediately. 
• Dial 999 or 112. 
• Use rescue equipment if available. 
• Throw something that floats or use a reaching aid if it is safe to do so. 

Learning CPR with rescue breaths, understanding safe rescue techniques and knowing where your nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) is located are practical steps that could help save a life. 

Creating safer communities 

Throughout my career, I have seen the positive impact that can be achieved when communities, professionals and families work together to promote water safety. 

Every conversation matters 

“Throughout my career, I have seen the positive impacted that can be achieved when communities, professionals and families work together to promotoe water safety. Every conversation about water safety can help prevent tragedy. By making water safety part of our safeguarding conversations and community awareness work, we can help more children and young people return home safely from every day spent near water.” 

About Conrad Foote 

Conrad Foote is our Therapeutic Services Manager and Founder Trustee of SWIM Cambodia, a charity dedicated to reducing childhood drowning. He has worked in drowning prevention for more than 14 years, leading and supporting programmes focused on water safety education, safe rescue training, CPR and resuscitation skills, and survival swimming. 

He has worked alongside organisations including the RNLI, RLSS UK, UNICEF and Cambodian government ministries, and has contributed to research, training and national drowning prevention initiatives. A trained lifeguard and keen swimmer, Conrad is committed to helping reduce the number of families affected by drowning. 

Further information on water safety: 

• Water Safety Information, Royal Life Saving Society UK https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information 
• Cold Water Shock Syndrome, RLSS Royal Life Saving Society UK https://www.rlss.org.uk/cold-water-shock-the-facts 
• Water Safety, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents  https://www.rospa.com/water-safety 
• Water Safety, Royal National Lifeboat Institution https://rnli.org/water-safety 
• Water Safety, Multi-Lingual Resources, Royal National Lifeboat Institution https://rnli.org/water-safety/multi-lingual-resources