With summer approaching, families across Cambridgeshire are being encouraged to stay water safe as a new campaign has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council aimed at preventing drowning incidents.
The new “Being Water Smart” campaign, launched on 20 May, focuses on raising awareness of the hidden dangers associated with swimming in open water and equipping parents and children with lifesaving water safety knowledge.
Raising awareness of hidden water dangers
Large parts of Cambridgeshire are surrounded by inland waterways, lakes and rivers providing plenty opportunities for outdoor activities during the summer. However, the council is warning that open water can present serious risks – even for experienced swimmers.Hazards such as cold water shock, strong currents, and rubbish beneath the surface can cause difficulties while entering the water expectedly.
The campaign will focus on helping families understand these dangers while encouraging safer ways to enjoy water-based activities during the school holidays.
Advice, activities and practical resources
As part of the initiative, families are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Water Safety Code, which includes four key steps:
- Stop and think
- Stay together
- Float
- Call 999 in the UK, or 112 if abroad
The campaign aims to help parents teach children how to react if they unexpectedly fall into water or see someone else in trouble. It also provides with safety advice and activities, including:
- Guidance on staying safe in and around water together
- Information on what to do during a water emergency
- Awareness of risks linked to open water swimming
- Suggestions for safer, controlled places to enjoy water activities
- Printable activities and learning resources for children
Resources will be shared through the council’s website and social media channels throughout the summer period.
Free open day at Grafham Water
To bring this campaign to a fruitful success, families will also be able to learn practical water safety skills during a free open day on Friday 29 May at Grafham Water Centre. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet water safety organisations, ask questions and take part in fun activities such as sailing and powerboating.
Free passes for the event can be booked through the Grafham Water Centre.
Council urges families to prepare
Councillor Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee at uk/local/cambridgeshire-county-council/">Cambridgeshire County Council said many drowning incidents involving children and young people could be prevented through better awareness and education.
She said,
“Tragically drowning claims many lives each year – and these are often of children and young people who aren’t aware of the risks involved when swimming in open water like lakes and rivers. Many deaths could be prevented, which is why we’re asking everyone to Be Water Smart.” “We’re committed to giving children and young people the best start in life and learning to be safe near water is such an important part of a child’s education.”
She added that parents should begin conversations about water safety with children ahead of the summer holidays to help ensure families can enjoy waterways safely.
Further Information
As part of the campaign, families can access water safety advice, printable activities and educational resources through the council’s website and social media channels.
More information about the campaign can be found on the council website or by following the hashtag #BeWaterSmart on social media.
