New Water Safety Videos Launched To Prevent Summer Drownings

Emergency services have launched a new video campaign to warn residents and visitors about the hidden dangers of open water across North Yorkshire.

Swimmers and walkers will face hidden dangers in open water this summer, prompting a new safety campaign to prevent tragic drownings.

Emergency officials have launched a series of videos to highlight the risks lurking beneath the surface of rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

North Yorkshire Council and the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces for the initiative, which aims to reduce water-related incidents across the region and raise awareness of how quickly situations can become dangerous.

The videos feature North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service firefighter Toni, who encourages people to understand the risks and take simple steps to keep themselves and others safe.

Fire and Rescue Service statistics reveal that 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drownings between 2019 and 2024.

Officials warned that 56 per cent of those deaths occurred in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Alarmingly, half of the people who drown had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips, and falls identified as a leading cause.

A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:

"Many people also underestimate the dangers of jumping into water or taking a dip to cool off especially those with limited experience of outdoor swimming.

Unseen hazards and cold water shock can mean even strong swimmers get into trouble.

We want people to enjoy time in, on and around the water safely. Every year people drown in coastal and inland waters but many of these deaths are preventable."

During periods of warm weather, open water can seem like an appealing way to cool down.

However, residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care and understand the risks before entering the water.

Hidden objects, strong currents, cold water shock, and sudden changes in depth can all pose serious dangers, even to confident swimmers.

The new safety videos build on a previous campaign produced alongside record-breaking adventurer Jasmine Harrison.

Safety officials recommend entering the water gradually to allow the body time to adjust to the temperature, rather than jumping straight in.

The Fire and Rescue Service issued a stark warning about diving:

"Never dive or jump straight into open water, you can't always see the dangers that lurk beneath the surface, this can also cause potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day and will restrict your ability to swim."

Parents are also being reminded to actively supervise children in and around water, as officials note that drowning can happen quickly and silently.

Walkers are encouraged to stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water's edge, especially in poorly lit areas or if they have been drinking alcohol.

Swimmers are advised to choose supervised locations with lifeguards whenever possible, always pay attention to warning signs, avoid swimming alone, and make sure someone knows where they are.

For those who accidentally fall into the water, emergency services promote the 'float to live' technique.

The Fire and Rescue Service advised:

"If you start to struggle in the water save energy and fight the instinct to thrash around.

Tilt your head back with ears submerged. Relax, breathe normally. Move your hands to help you float.

Spread your arms and legs out. Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety."

Members of the public are urged never to enter the water to attempt a rescue themselves if they see someone in trouble.

The Fire and Rescue Service added:

"Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland and the Coastguard if you are at the coast."

The new water safety videos can be viewed on the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website at https://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-campaigns/water-safety-campaign/ and will be shared across social media accounts throughout the summer.