Summer is the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers, and we're expecting many of our waterways to be popular this year, particular during the summer holidays. However, 57% of all accidental UK drownings in 2025 occurred at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs and we want people to enjoy the waterways safely.
Locks and weirs are lovely places to spend time gongoozling – watching boats go by – and listening to the calming sounds of the water. However, when the weather warms people sometimes get into difficulties after jumping into the canals and rivers to cool down. Locks are not swimming pools and have hidden ‘shelves’, called cills, which can seriously injure someone should they jump in, whilst weirs have strong currents which can pull even the strongest swimmers under the water.
Be aware of the dangers
Anne Gardner-Aston, our director of health & safety, explains: “Spending time on or by Britain’s waterways is a lovely way to spend a summer’s day and they are excellent places for families to explore during the school holidays. But it is also important that people, especially children and teenagers, are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip. The consequences can be devastating.
“Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks, can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. Even if you are familiar with a stretch of water, it doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. The water often isn’t clear, and you will not be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water. Everyone is welcome to the waterways this summer, but please keep to the waterside or swim at a lifeguarded location at the beach.”
Tips to keep you safe
However, if you do end up in the water and find yourself in difficulty, remember Float To Live:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
If you see someone in difficulty in the water, remember Phone Float Throw:
- PHONE 999 to get help
- FLOAT - tell the struggling person to Float on their back
- THROW the person rescue equipment or something which floats, such as an air-filled football
