Water safety warning as temperatures rise in Cambridgeshire
We're being reminded to know how to stay safe in and around open water
As temperatures jump, Cambridgeshire's fire and rescue service are teaming up with volunteers to remind people how to stay safe around water.
The service is highlighting the dangers of open water as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council's (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign, which aims to share information around the risk of accidental drowning.
“If you are waterside at this time of year, be aware that the water is extremely cold," Joe Gacon, from the service, said.
"Take care by the water’s edge; if you do fall in, cold water shock can make you unable to control your breathing."
Accidental drownings
Figures from the National Water Safety Forum show 15 people in Cambridgeshire died by accidental drowning between 2020 and 2024.
Between 2019 and 2024, the NFCC say 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning incidents, with 56% of these happening in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
While half of people who drown did not intend to enter the water with slips, trips and falls found to be one of the main causes, according to the NFCC.
Latest data shows 82% of deaths due to accidental drowning were men.
Previously, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with local volunteers to deliver training in how to use throwlines, allowing them to help someone getting into difficulty around river locks, as well as other general water safety tips.
Speaking on what advice parents should take on board, Mr Gacon said: "Help them make more informed decisions and better judgement; help them to understand how cold the water might be.
"It’s like holding a snowball too long without gloves, that feeling all over your body.”
Safety tips
The NFCC's campaign also warns people against the dangers of cooling off in open water.
These include hidden risks around submerged hazards and low water temperatures, which could lead to cold water shock.
The county's fire service urge people to think of the following when in and around water:
• 'Float to live' - if you get into difficulty in water, you should lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat, and try and control your breathing. Once calm, either call for help or try and swim to safety.
• Swim with someone else - this is so you can assist each other or call for help if you do get into difficulty. If you see someone else in trouble near water, call for help immediately by dialling 999.
Never try and carry out a rescue yourself, you could put yourself in danger too. You can try and find something to throw to them to use as a float or to pull them in if they are near to the edge and it’s safe to do so.
• Location - to help the service's control operators and crews to pinpoint your location is to give a reference through what3words.
This is easy to do by downloading the app before heading out and encouraging everyone in your group to do the same, making a note of where you’re swimming. The app is free and available to download on any mobile device.