Water Safety Awareness Message from West Midlands Fire Service

During the hot spell over the late May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term holiday, there were a number of tragic incidents around the country, many involving young people.  The forecast over the coming weeks is for temperatures to rise again.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water please be aware of the following:

• Of all drownings in 2025, 57% took place in inland water – canals, rivers, lakes, ponds – the type of bodies of water we have lots of in the West Midlands.
• Even if the weather is warm the water may be cold, causing your body to go inro cold water shock.
• If you fall into water Float to Live – put your head back, float on your back and keep yourself stable by using small movements of your hands.
• Once you are stable you may call for help or swim to the bank if it is feasible.
• Do not go into the water to save people or pets. Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.

For more information about staying safe around water please visit the West Midlands Fire Service water safety page (https://www.wmfs.net/safety/water-safety/) or the RNLI Education Resources page (https://rnli.org/youth-education/education-resources).