Derbyshire Now – 15th August 2025 Edition

Be safe around water

As the warm weather continues you may decide to head to the coast or visit rivers and reservoirs closer to home to enjoy a day in the sunshine. 

If you plan to be around water, whether it’s a trip to the seaside, lakeside or river, there are things to bear in mind to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

At the beach:

• call 999 and ask for the coastguard if someone’s in trouble, don’t enter the water yourself.
• visit a beach with a lifeguard
• only swim between the red and yellow flags
• don’t use inflatables

Inland, open water in rivers, lakes or reservoirs can hide dangers such as debris and rocks. Reeds can quickly lead to entrapment. The cold temperature of the water can also lead to Cold Water Shock – causing cramp and difficulty breathing – this can lead to drowning in even the strongest swimmer.

If you’re paddleboarding read the RNLI’s safety advice and wherever you are, know the dangers and keep out of open water. If you do find yourself in difficulty, ensure you know how to #FloatToLive. 

Read More – https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDCC/bulletins/3edd56f