Water Safety Advice from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

The Humber region, with its long stretch of coastline and large tidal river, is a beautiful yet potentially dangerous place to enjoy water activities. Whether you’re visiting the sea, a lake, a river, it’s important to be aware of water safety. 

Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Prevention, said: “Our water safety campaign is all about equipping people with the knowledge they need to enjoy the water safely. Tragically, in recent years, young lives have been lost at local waterways, despite the heroic efforts of our firefighters and emergency service teams. As the warmer weather draws us to the water, it’s crucial to understand the risks, particularly cold-water shock, which can have deadly consequences.” 

Water Safety Tips: 

 – Obey any warning and safety signs 
 – If you are going out on your own, let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back 
 – Look out for trip or slip hazards around water and stick to proper pathways 
 – Remember riverbanks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way 

What to Do if Someone Falls into Deep Water 

If someone falls into deep water, the first thing to do is call 999 for help. 

Use the What3Words app to help emergency services find you. The app uses a unique three-word address to pinpoint your exact location, so help can reach you quickly. 

Remember: Float to Live 

If you find yourself struggling in the water, don’t panic. It’s natural to want to swim hard, but cold-water shock can make this dangerous. Instead, focus on Floating to Live. 

 – Tilt your head back with your ears submerged to help you float. Relax and breathe normally. 
 – Spread your arms and legs to stay more stable. Don’t worry if your legs sink a little – we all float differently! 
 – Once you’re breathing normally, call for help or swim to safety. 

Stay safe, stay water-wise!