West Midlands charity issues open water swimming advice as summer holidays approach
It's part of the Royal Life Saving Society's campaign for Drowning Prevention Week
As the summer holidays near, we're being reminded of the importance of staying safe while swimming in open water.
It's after 136 people drowned in England in 2024 - including five in our region.
Matt Croxall is from the West Midlands-based Royal Life Saving Society and had this advice for staying safe.
"We want to make sure people swim in supervised, or life-guarded areas.
"Whether that be in land or at the coast," he said.
It comes as the charity marks Drowning Prevention Week with a campaign raising awareness and encouraging the public to enjoy water safely.
Matt told us it's important to take precautions before going swimming.
"Try and do a bit of a risk assessment and don't just jump into a body of water - particularly in open water where that cold water shock could be a problem.
"We encourage people to immerse themselves slowly."
He also said avoiding swimming alone and floating in a starfish shape if you do get into difficulty are key to staying safe.