NFCC launches Be Water Aware campaign to prevent drownings

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched its annual Be Water Aware campaign to raise awareness about water safety across the United Kingdom, according to the NFCC.

The campaign runs from 28 April to 4 May 2025 and aims to reduce the number of accidental drownings as temperatures rise, the NFCC said.

The NFCC stated that according to the latest data from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database, 273 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning in 2023.

The NFCC explained that around 40 per cent of these individuals had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls cited as common causes.

Chris Kirby, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Lead at the NFCC, said: “Many people don’t realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day – can end in tragedy.”

Chris Kirby added: “Our message is simple: We encourage people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do if an emergency should happen.”

London Fire Brigade warns of increase in water-related incidents

The London Fire Brigade has reported a rise in water-related incidents ahead of the May bank holiday, coinciding with the NFCC’s Be Water Aware campaign.

According to the London Fire Brigade, its crews responded to 565 water-related incidents in 2024 and have already attended around 160 such incidents in the first quarter of 2025.

The Brigade said that its fireboats have been deployed to more than 70 incidents so far in 2025.

The London Fire Brigade reported that the number of incidents in March 2025 alone increased by more than 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection at London Fire Brigade, Craig Carter, said: “Whether you’re walking by the river, spending time by canals, or taking part in water-based activities, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London’s waterways.”

Craig Carter added: “Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. It can lead to water inhalation, and, in the worst cases, drowning.”

Craig Carter further stated: “Be particularly careful near the water’s edge, it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water. While designated swimming locations have lifeguards and safety measures in place, open water environments pose unpredictable risks.”

Public urged to follow simple water safety advice

The NFCC is encouraging the public to follow basic safety measures to prevent accidents near water, it said.

The NFCC advises people to stick to proper pathways, stay clear of water edges, avoid entering the water after drinking alcohol, and walk home safely with friends away from waterways.

The NFCC also advises that if someone gets into difficulty in water, bystanders should remember the Call, Tell, Throw approach: call 999, tell the person to float on their back, and throw them something that floats.

The NFCC recommends that individuals who find themselves in trouble should remember the Float to Live technique, involving tilting the head back with ears submerged, relaxing to control breathing, moving the hands and feet to stay afloat, and spreading the arms and legs.

Craig Carter at the London Fire Brigade added: “If you do find yourself struggling, follow the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands and feet to help you stay afloat.”

Craig Carter further stated: “If you see someone in trouble in the water, never jump in after them. Instead, call 999, tell the person in the water to float on their back and throw them something that floats.”

Water safety measures in place across London’s waterways

The London Fire Brigade reported that it has worked with partners to implement water safety measures across the city’s waterways.

According to the London Fire Brigade, throwlines have been installed at various locations, allowing quicker rescues by members of the public while emergency services respond.

The Brigade explained that users can access the throwlines by calling 999, quoting the What3Words code at the location, and receiving a unique lock code from Control Officers.

Control Officers will then guide users through deploying the throwline while dispatching water rescue teams, the London Fire Brigade said.

Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, said: “London’s rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, there can also be hidden dangers. The Mayor is working to improve the capital’s waterways for everyone to enjoy, and has been clear that it’s vital that people only do so where it is safe and supervised.”

Jules Pipe added: “I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade’s advice to stay safe in and around our waterways.”

UK fire services highlight water safety risks as temperatures rise: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council has launched the Be Water Aware campaign across the United Kingdom from 28 April to 4 May 2025.

According to the NFCC, 273 people died from accidental drowning in 2023.

The NFCC stated that around 40 per cent of those had no intention of entering the water.

Chris Kirby of the NFCC encouraged safe choices and awareness around water.

The London Fire Brigade has reported an increase in water-related incidents in the first quarter of 2025.

The London Fire Brigade noted that fireboats were deployed to over 70 incidents so far this year.

The Brigade also highlighted a 32 per cent rise in incidents in March compared to the same period in 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Craig Carter urged Londoners to exercise caution near waterways.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, emphasised the importance of only using safe, supervised water areas.

The London Fire Brigade explained that throwlines are now available at various locations to assist in emergencies.

Control Officers provide access to throwlines by giving a lock code after a 999 call and guiding users during rescues.