Worcester charity urging parents to remind their children about water safety as the school holidays begin
The Royal Life Saving Society say they tend to see a heightened risk of drowning when air temperatures are higher
A Worcester based water safety charity is calling on adults and children in particular to take care around water during the summer break.
Today (21 July) marks the start of the summer holidays for people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The Royal Life Saving Society say they tend to see a heightened risk of drowning when air temperatures are higher.
It adds 47% of UK accidental drownings occur between May and August and when UK average maximum air temperatures reach or exceed 25°C then there is a fivefold increase in accidental drowning risk when compared to days with an average temperature of 10°C.
Charity CEO Simmy Akthar says it is really important people listen to the water safety advice that is out there, especially during the warmer weather.
"What we see is a much higher proportion of people heading to coastal areas and areas of open water, whether that's rivers, lakes or or canals, and sadly we see a higher number of drownings between May and August, particularly in extreme heat," she said.
"We always say whatever your role is, whether you're a parent, carer, teacher, talk to your children about how to stay safe in or around water, and a key part of that is learning is the water safety code.
"By following the water safety code and floating if you are in danger, that can make the difference between actually leaving and exiting that water safely or not."
Further advice on how people can stay safe can be found over on the charity's website.