Water Safety

Working Together

Water Safety Campaign – GMFRS, Tameside Council and Partners

GMFRS, Tameside Council, RNLI and Canal and Rivers Trust are actively promoting water safety to prevent drownings, especially among young people, through educational campaigns and safety messaging.

Key Messages from GMFRS and Tameside Council

Dangers of Open Water:
 GMFRS, Tameside Council, RNLI and Canal and Rivers Trust highlight the risks associated with swimming or jumping into open water, particularly during warmer weather. Cold water shock can be fatal, even for strong swimmers, and there may be hidden hazards beneath the surface.

Statistics:
 In 2024, there were 193 accidental drownings in the UK. Many incidents involved young people who got into difficulty after entering open water, reinforcing the importance of awareness and prevention.

Safety Tips:
 The campaign promotes several key safety messages:

• Float to Live: If you find yourself in trouble in the water, tilt your head back, relax, and try to breathe normally while floating on your back.
• Call, Tell, Throw: If you see someone struggling in the water, call 999, encourage them to float, and throw them something that floats to help.

Community Involvement:
 GMFRS, Tameside Council, RNLI and Canal and Rivers Trust encourage residents, community groups, and partners to support water safety by taking part in initiatives such as the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week.

Conclusion

GMFRS, Tameside Council, RNLI and Canal and Rivers Trust water safety campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of open water and provide practical advice to prevent drownings. By raising awareness and encouraging safer behaviours around water, the GMFRS, Tameside Council, RNLI and Canal and Rivers Trust hope to reduce incidents and save lives.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue

Water Safety Campaign - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service

RNLI

Water Safety Advice And Tips - Know The Risks

Canal and River Trust

Safety on our Waterways | Canal & River Trust

Float to Live Demo/Video

Bing Videos