West Mercia Police issue water safety message as heatwave hits
When temperatures hit or exceed 25c, the risk of accidental drowning multiplies fivefold
As hot weather envelops the region, West Mercia Police is emphasising the critical need for water safety awareness.
When temperatures hit or exceed 25c, the risk of accidental drowning multiplies fivefold, highlighting the importance of vigilance near water bodies.
Across England, over 300 accidental drownings occur annually, equivalent to a classroom full of children lost each year, underscoring the urgency of ensuring personal and family safety.
If trouble strikes in the water, remember the 'Float to Live' principle:
- Tilt your head back to submerge your ears
- Relax while controlling your breathing
- Keep your hands and legs moving to stay afloat
- Understand that leg sinking is normal as individuals float differently
- Practise floating in a supervised setting like a swimming pool
Witnessing someone struggling in the water necessitates phone, float, throw tactics:
- Dial 999 for assistance
- Encourage the person to remain calm and float on their back
- Throw rescue equipment to them until help arrives
Open water hazards vary from hidden objects and currents to the dangerous impact of cold water shock. Alarmingly, 88% of drowned children were unsupervised, which makes awareness essential.
'One life lost is one too many'
Superintendent Gareth Morgan of Herefordshire and Worcestershire urges caution as the heat persists, saying: “One life lost is one too many. As the heatwave continues it’s essential people consider the risks, and ensure their children and teenagers are aware of the dangers. Please speak to your loved ones about water safety- there are many resources available to help with this. We will continue to work with partners to raise awareness of the dangers.”
Superintendent Edward Hancox of Shropshire and Telford also stresses proactive vigilance, adding: “As the hot weather continues, we urge everyone to consider the risks associated with swimming in open water. Please take the time to speak with your family and friends about staying safe around water, particularly children and teenagers, who may be more likely to be attracted to rivers, lakes and reservoirs during warm weather.
“There are a range of resources available to help people understand the dangers and learn how to stay safe. We will continue to work closely with our partners to raise awareness of the risks and promote vital water safety messages to help prevent tragedies.”
'Please talk to your loved ones about the dangers'
Personal accounts like Vicki Jones’s, whose son Tom drowned in Worcester, reinforce the lifesaving importance of spreading water safety awareness.
She said: “The water safety message remains all too important. Please talk to your loved ones about the dangers and encourage them to think about the consequences of decisions made. Anyone can drown but no one should when it is entirely preventable.”
Kirsty Walsh, ambassador for West Mercia Search and Rescue said: “Water safety is a cause very close to my heart. In 2017, I lost my husband, Shane Walsh. No family should have to experience that loss.
“As the weather gets warmer, please take a moment to learn and share the water safety messages from the Home and Dry campaign. Talk to your children, family and friends about the dangers of open water and what to do in an emergency.”
Station Commander John Elsworth from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Prevention department said: “Every year, lives are lost to the water, often in the blink of an eye, and when no one expected it. That’s why we’re working with our partners to change the story.
“It starts with awareness, staying back from the edge, making safe choices, always staying together, and knowing what to do if the worst happens. If you find yourself in trouble, don’t panic. Lie back, keep your head above water, and float. This is more than a campaign. It’s about giving people the tools to get home safely.”
Nathan Hazlehurst, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager at Worcestershire County Council said: “We are fortunate to have many beautiful open water spaces across Worcestershire. While it may be tempting to cool off during hot weather, open water can be extremely dangerous—even for confident swimmers.
“Tragically, lives have been lost after people entered open water during warmer weather. We continue to work closely with schools and partners to raise awareness of the risks and, during periods of extreme heat, local search and rescue teams will again be carrying out patrols at key locations to offer advice. We would urge everyone to make safe choices and follow safety advice to help prevent further, avoidable tragedies."
The Home and Dry campaign unites several partners including local fire and rescue services, police departments, and safety organisations. Their collective aim is to embed water safety education, reducing future tragedies across the community.
You can find out more about Home and Dry here.