Staying Safe Around Water This Summer
We are lucky to live in Southend, with miles of coastline right on our doorstep. Whether you're visiting the beach, walking along the seafront, crabbing by the shore, fishing from the pier, paddle boarding, or simply enjoying a day out with family and friends, the water is a huge part of what makes our area special.
However, water can be dangerous, even on warm, sunny days. Recent heatwaves across the UK have sadly been linked to a rise in drowning incidents, as more people head to beaches, rivers, lakes and other waterways to cool down. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) reports that almost half of accidental drownings happen during the warmer months when more people spend time around water.
While many people think of water safety as something that only applies to the sea, accidents can happen in any body of water, including rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals. Water is often much colder than it looks, and hidden hazards can exist beneath the surface. Cold water shock can affect even strong swimmers, causing breathing difficulties and panic.
Here in Southend, it is especially important to be aware of the tides. The Thames Estuary has fast-changing tidal conditions, and areas that appear safe can quickly become cut off by incoming water. Mudflats and soft sand can also be difficult to escape from. Structures such as Southend Pier, groynes, sea walls, rocks and slipways are slippery when wet and can present additional hazards to both adults and children.
The RLSS UK's Water Safety Code starts with a simple message: Stop and Think. Before entering the water, look for potential hazards such as tides, currents, deep water, underwater objects and sudden changes in depth. If you're visiting somewhere unfamiliar, take time to read local safety signs and, where available, follow the advice of lifeguards.
Children should always be supervised around water, no matter how confident they are at swimming. Even experienced swimmers can get into difficulty in open water. If possible, choose lifeguarded beaches and stay together as a group.
Inflatables may seem like harmless fun, but they can be blown out to sea surprisingly quickly by wind and tides. They are not designed for use in open water and should never be relied upon as a safety aid.
If you get into difficulty in the water, try to stay calm and float on your back. This helps you control your breathing and conserve energy while waiting for help. If you see someone else struggling, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard if you're at the coast. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue yourself. Instead, encourage the person to float and, if possible, throw them something that floats.
Inland waterways have always been a source of enjoyment during hot weather but be mindful that as water levels drop and vegetation becomes exposed algae grows at an enormous rate. Blue/green algae is toxic to humans and to animals and as water levels drop there is an increased risk of coming into contact with other waterborne diseases. Always read local advice.
By taking a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy Southend's beautiful coastline safely this summer and help ensure that days by the water create happy memories for all the right reasons.