Water Safety

Water Safety Resources

Key messages, survival principles and coastal hazard awareness for the session.

↓ Float to live ← All courses
Float to live

If you fall into cold water — float.

1
Fight your instinct to swim
Cold water shock causes panic. Your instinct will be to thrash and swim. Don't fight it — float. Calm yourself first.
2
Float on your back
Head back, arms spread wide, legs apart. Let the water support you. Keep your airway clear and focus on your breathing.
3
Signal for help
Once your breathing steadies, call out, wave, and only attempt to swim if safety is very close. Conserve energy.

Float to live. It could save your life.

This message is supported by national water safety campaigns.

Understanding cold water shock

Cold water shock occurs within the first 30–90 seconds of entering cold water (below 15 °C). It triggers an involuntary gasp reflex, causes rapid breathing and can incapacitate even strong swimmers. The priority is always to float, not to swim.

UK waters rarely exceed 15 °C even in summer. Most water-related incidents happen close to shore, within 3 metres of safety.

Most drownings occur within 3 metres of safety
Hazards

Know the hazards

🌀
Rip currents
Float, signal, and move across the current — not against it. Rips pull out, not under.
🧊
Cold water
Enter slowly to avoid cold water shock. Never jump straight into cold, open water.
🌊
Waves
Stay low, keep hold of a fixed point. Waves can knock you off your feet without warning.
⛵
Boats & craft
Stay visible and clear of boat channels. Swimmers are hard to spot from a moving vessel.
🪨
Hidden rocks
Always check before entering unknown water. Submerged rocks cause serious injury.
🚩
Know your limits
Open water is not a pool. Currents, temperature and depth change without warning. Swim within your ability.

Reach. Throw. Don't go.

🤝
Reach
Reach from shore using your arm, a pole, clothing or a towel. Stay on dry land and brace yourself.
🎯
Throw
Throw a rope, a lifebuoy or anything that floats — a ball, a bottle, a bag. Get something to them.
🚫
Don't go
Entering the water puts you at risk too. Call 999 or 112 immediately. Stay calm and keep talking to them.