What you should do if someone gets into trouble in open water
Would you know how to respond if saw someone struggling in a reservoir, lake, sea or river?
Last updated 25th Jul 2025
Over a quarter of accidental drownings are young people according to new research.
The National Water Safety Forum has found that 26% of all accidental drowning deaths in the past five years involved people aged between 10 and 29.
That makes them the most high-risk demographic, and with the Summer holidays upon us, there is likely to be an increase in the number of people entering open water like lakes and reservoirs.
Get Water Wise minute
We brought together parents from across the UK who've lost children in drowning tragedies to deliver an important warning on World Drowning Prevention Day.
Take a listen to our 'Get Water Wise Minute' - a powerful message in the hope of preventing future deaths.
The hot weather over Summer often leads to a spike in deaths in our rivers, lakes, seas and reservoirs.
But would you know what to do if you saw someone in trouble?
Life saving messages
The Royal Life Saving Society suggest everyone familiarises themselves with the steps of the Water Safety Code:
- Stop and Think
- Stay Together
- Call 999
- Float
A spokesperson from the RLSS previously spoke to us about how to help others who are struggling in the water: "The most important thing is to make contact with them, shout to them and tell them you're going to try to help. Be sure to call 999, and in inland waters, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
"Your message from the side should be 'Float to Live'. Get them to put their head back, get their lungs full of air which will bring them up to the top of the water."
Don't forget to look out for local signage which might contain step-by-step guidance, and a location name to pass on to authorities.
The RLSS have put together a page with resources |nofollow|newtab) and tools to help keep everyone safe.
Find your float
This year, the National Water Safety Forum’s campaign for World Drowning Prevention Day is Find Your Float.
They say that if you get into trouble in the water, knowing how to float can save your life, but because we all float differently, they're encouraging people to practise.
By practising how to float in a safe environment, you can learn what floating looks and feels like for you, helping you to be better prepared for an emergency situation.
Don't enter the water
One key message people often forget in an emergency situation is to not enter the water yourself if you see someone get into trouble.
You might fall victim to the same cold water shock, get caught in the same rip tides, or in debris or machinery that caused the person to struggle in the first place.
Make a water safety plan
A high percentage of people who die by accidental drowning never had any intention of entering the water. But those who do are being told to make sure you have a plan before setting out.
The RLSS highlighted several questions you need the answers to before stepping foot into a lake, sea or river:
"Where are you going to go, and what are those dangers? What activity are you going to do? If you are going to take a stand up paddle board out, or an inflatable kayak out have you got a buoyancy aid? Have you got a way of contacting someone if you get into difficulty? Do you know how to raise the alarm?"
#GetWaterWise with these water safety tips
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.