Summer water safety

What are the risks?

Do not swim in our canals and rivers, there are too many risks that you can't see hidden below the surface, and lots of other ways you can cool down with two feet on the towpath.

Depth perception

• Canals are often shallow, which you can't tell from the surface. If you jump in you are likely to injure yourself
• Don't be fooled by thinking that all canals are shallow. If you can't put your feet on the ground, it'll be much harder to get out. Rivers, reservoirs and docks are generally much deeper, and colder

Hidden dangers under the water

• Canals are havens for wildlife and maintaining water habitats are an important part of our work. If you're in the water, reeds and other plant life could get tangled around your limbs and trap you in the water making it very difficult to climb out
• Rubbish can be lurking below the surface of canals and rivers. If you're in the water you could injure yourself by cutting yourself on a rusty old bicycle or broken glass, or get trapped on a larger piece of rubbish, like a trolley or even a motorbike

Cold water shock

• Even on a hot day inland waterways will be colder than you think, particularly reservoirs and docks as they're deeper. The sudden exposure to cold water can cause a number of involuntary bodily reactions - this is cold water shock.

Disease

Waterborne diseases, including Weil's Disease (leptospirosis), are extremely rare, but if you are swimming then you are more exposed to them. If you are likely to come into contact with water it's sensible to take a few precautions:

• If you've got any cuts or scratches, keep them covered
• If you fall in, take a shower and treat cuts with antiseptic and a sterile dressing
• Wash wet clothing before you wear it again
• If you develop flu-like symptoms within two weeks, see a doctor and mention that you fell in the water. Not all doctors will know to look for signs of Weil's Disease, so do suggest it as a possibility

Canal water is untreated water and so may contain pollution, biological or chemical contaminants. Please bear this in mind when you come into contact with the water and follow basic hygiene measures.

Float to live

If you end up in the water, and get into difficulty, follow the RNLI’s Float to Live:

1. Tilt your head back submerging your ears
2. Relax and control your breathing
3. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
4. Your legs may sink – that’s OK, everyone floats differently

Why not practise floating the next time you go swimming just to find out how your body does it.

If you see someone else in difficulty in the water, remember Phone Float Throw:

1. Phone 999 to get help
2. Tell the person to stay calm and to float on their back
3. Throw rescue equipment or help the person float until the emergency services arrive.

Don’t get in the water to help the person – you could get into difficulty yourself and it will end as a rescue, or recovery, for two.