As the UK sees one of its longest heatwaves in years, many people will be flocking to the waters in and around Bristol this weekend. The Met Office has reissued a warning
Avon Fire and Rescue has urged swimmers who are looking to go for a dip in their local lake, pond or river to cool off to stay safe. So far this year, crews have been called to 94 water rescues in the district, 16 per cent more than during the same period in 2021.
The service said over 62 per cent of accidental drownings took place in lakes, ponds and rivers in 2021, according to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
Read more: The 13 beautiful beaches just an hour's drive from Bristol
To help keep people safe during this heatwave, AF&RS has revealed its top tips to help you enjoy the water safely:
- Only swim at supervised swimming locations - such as swimming pools, lidos and swimming lakes.
- Never swim alone.
- Always supervise children around and in the water.
- Don't dive into shallow waters.
- Water and alcohol don't mix - save the drinks for after your swim.
- If you get into trouble in the water, remember: float to live.
- In the event of an emergency, call 999 first and ask for the Fire Service.
- Don't try to assist someone from the waters edge.
- Remember, there are hidden dangers - currents, rocks, rubbish and more beneath the surface that you might not be able to see.
- Download What3Words, it can help us find out exactly where you are in the event of an emergency.
More information and guidance can be found on their website.
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