The big SAFE test answers

Below you'll find the answers to the quiz at the back of your water safety activity booklet. How well did the grown-ups do?!

1) Why should you never jump canals and locks?

The water is deep and the walls are slimy, often with nothing to cling on to which means it is difficult to get out.

2) Swimming pools are the safest place to swim. True or false?

True. Swimming in canals and rivers is not allowed because of the danger of boats, deep water, strong currents and dangerous objects lurking beneath the surface.

3) Give two reasons why reservoirs can be dangerous places.

Reservoirs are often lonely places with nobody around to help if you get into trouble. There is often dangerous machinery hidden under the water. They have steep sides and deep water.

4) Why might jumping off a bridge into water cause a terrible injury?

Jumping off bridges can cause bones to break and serious head injuries.

5) Do your children know how to get hold of you at all times?

Always leave a telephone number with your children so they can get hold of you.

6) What is the first thing you should do if you fall in the water?

Float. Floating helps you feel calm and you may be able to climb out.

7) Why is very cold water risky?

Very cold water can cause the body to close down and can cause death within minutes.

8) Have you taught your children how to make an emergency call?

Teach your children how to diall 999 and what to ask for.

9) Do your children know how to give accurate details of their location to emergency services?

Teach your children to describe where they are accurately by looking for local landmarks. Show them how locks and canal bridges are numbered in sequence.

10) Why shouldn't you drink river or canal water even though it might look clean?

Because of the danger of diseases, such as Weil's disease carried by rats.

How well did the grown-ups do?

10/10 - BRILLIANT!

8-9: Not too bad.

5-7: Could do better.

5 and under: A RUBBISH result. Insist grown-ups don't go near water with you until they've read this booklet.