All You Need to Know

• I'm a strong swimmer, why should I be worried about water?

  Of course it's important to be a confident swimmer before you enter the water - but equally you must never be over confident and ignore the risks.

  If you suddenly enter cold water, it can make you gasp uncontrollably and inhale water. This is known as cold water shock.

  Your natural instinct might be to try and swim straight away, but thrashing around could make the situation worse. Cold water shock can leave you helpless in seconds and unable to swim. Instead, take a minute and follow the Float to Live advice. The initial effects of cold water shock will pass in less than a minute and you will then be able to either seek help or attempt to get to safety.

• How can swimming in still water or a calm river be dangerous?

  Just because there are no waves or tide does not mean it is safe to swim in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs or quarries. Remember there are no lifeguards here to keep you safe.

  There are unseen dangers of getting into the water at any time of year and these include:

  • Cold water shock, which can quickly lead to drowning
  • Reeds and plant life, which can get tangled around your limbs and hold you under water
  • Particularly in canals there could be litter, such as shopping trolleys, which could cause injury if you jump onto them, or trap your feet
  • The water could be much more shallow than you expect and this can cause injury if you jump in
  • The water could contain diseases such as Leptospirosis or Weil's Disease
  • Quarries can have steep sides which make it difficult to climb up - particularly if you are tired or have been in the cold water for a while

   

• Where is it safe for me to swim?

  Swimming in canals is not allowed in the UK - as well as the risks mentioned above, there are additional dangers with moving boats, weirs, sluices and locks which make them unsuitable for swimming.

  You can swim safely in the sea by following the advice here.

  You can find approved open water swimming venues using the link below. It is not advisable to swim in any rivers, lakes, reservoirs or quarries that are not approved for open water swimming.

  Find approved open water swimming venues

• Is it safe to drink alcohol with my friends before swimming?

  It is never sensible to swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It could make you take more risks around water, or if you get into difficulty you will be less able to get to safety.

  If you have been drinking, you should also be aware of the danger of falling into water. Stay away from routes which pass alongside water. If a friend has been drinking and you are near any open water, make sure they get home safely.

  The video below is from the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Don't Drink and Drown campaign.

  Find out more about Don't Drink and Drown

• How can I swim safely in the sea?

  The beach is a fantastic place to be, especially in the warm summer months when you can cool off with a swim in the sea. By being aware of the risks and following the simple tips below, you can help to make sure that you have a great time and remain safe.

  • Remember the Float to Live advice if you find yourself out of your depth and unable to swim to safety.
  • Choose a beach with lifeguards. Find your nearest lifeguarded beach here.
  • Take a phone so you can call for help in an emergency - you could carry it in a waterproof pouch. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
  • Look out for rip currents - these are very strong and can quickly drag you out of your depth. See the question below for more information.
  • On some beaches in Norfolk it is possible to get cut off by the tide. Tide times change, so always check the tide timetable for the beach you are visiting.
  • Tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.
  • Make sure you know the name of the beach in case you need to call the coastguard for help.
  • Lifeguarded beaches will have flags to show you where it's safe to swim - stay between the red and yellow flags. For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards or other non-powered craft, go between the black and white chequered flag - you should not swim or bodyboard there. If a red flag is flying, the water is dangerous and you should not enter.

  More about beach flags and signs

• If I get caught in a rip tide at sea, what should I do?

  Rip tides can quickly drag you out to deeper water, so it's important to know what to do if you are caught in one.

  If you find yourself caught in a rip:

  • Don’t try to swim against it - you will become exhausted
  • If you can stand, wade instead of swimming
  • If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore
  • Raise your hand and shout for help

  If you see someone in trouble, alert lifeguards if they are present or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.