Water Safety

Over 400 people accidently drown in the UK and Ireland every year, and many more have non-fatal experiences with some of these being life changing.

We want to alert parents and young people of the potential dangers and risk to life, especially as we are now enjoying the hot weather and sunshine. Even the strongest of swimmers can get into trouble in water outdoors and we have particular concern for young people who could be putting themselves at risk without knowing the dangers.

Please click the link below to read some safety advice from Bedfordshire Fire Service:

Link to Bedfordshire Fire Service Safety Advice Letter

Link to Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Water Safety Letter

As part of their Water Safety campaign, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) issued a safety warning coming up from their latest Child Drowning Update using evidence from the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD). The recent report reveals that 125 children have drowned in the past four years, with 51 incidents occurring at home, primarily during bath time and involving children under five. The report emphasizes the importance of adult supervision, as 86% of cases involved unsupervised children.

Please see the attached Safety Warning for Health and Care Professionals with the full list of key messages that we encourage you to share within your networks.