Water Safety tips you should know!

Rivers and lakes are perfect for summer adventures — swimming, kayaking, rope swings, chill hangouts with your friends. But while they look calm and Insta-worthy, natural waters can be unpredictable and dangerous if you’re not paying attention.

 Here’s what you really need to know to stay safe, smart, and still have fun around rivers and lakes. 

🌊 1. Just Because It Looks Calm Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe

 Rivers and lakes don’t always show their risks on the surface. What looks like peaceful water might be hiding:

        •       Strong undercurrents that can pull you under fast

        •       Sharp rocks or rubbish just below the surface

        •       Sudden drop-offs where the ground vanishes beneath your feet

        •       Weeds or branches that can tangle around your legs

Always take a second to think before you jump in — literally.

🏊 2. Never Swim Alone — Even If You’re a Good Swimmer

 No matter how confident you are, open water is different from a pool. There are no walls to hold onto, no lifeguards (usually), and no clear visibility.

 Always:

        •       Go with a friend or group

        •       Let someone know where you are

        •       Keep an eye on each other in the water

 If something goes wrong, you’ll want someone there who can call for help — or help you out themselves.

🪵 3. Don’t Jump from Bridges or Trees

 It might look cool on TikTok, but jumping into unknown water can be seriously dangerous. You can’t always see what’s underneath — like logs, rocks, or shallow spots — and one wrong move can leave you with serious injuries.

 If there’s no proper jumping platform or sign that it’s safe — don’t do it.

🚫 4. Respect Warning Signs

“No Swimming” or “Strong Current” signs aren’t there to ruin your vibe — they’re there to keep you alive. If there’s a red flag, weird smell, strange color in the water, or signs of blue-green algae (which can be toxic), it’s a hard pass.

 Nature doesn’t come with a pause button — so take the signs seriously.

🎧 5. Stay Alert — No Headphones in the Water

 It’s tempting to float around with your favorite playlist, but you need to be aware of your surroundings. Boats, wildlife, or even weather changes can sneak up fast. Keep your ears open, and your phone somewhere safe and dry.

☁️ 6. Weather Can Flip Fast

That sunny afternoon can turn stormy in minutes. If you hear thunder or see lightning — get out of the water immediately. Open water is the worst place to be during a storm.

🛟 7. If Someone’s in Trouble — Don’t Jump In

 It might feel like the right thing to do, but unless you’re trained in water rescue, you could end up in danger too. Instead:

        •       Call for help immediately

        •       Throw something that floats (like a life ring or even an empty bottle with a cap on)

        •       Talk to them and keep them calm until help arrives

✅ Last Thought: Be Chill, But Be Smart

Rivers and lakes are amazing spots to explore, relax, and make memories. But they’re also wild — and they don’t have lifeguards or warning lights to protect you.

So respect the water. Know your limits. Watch out for your friends. And keep the summer vibes alive — safely. 🌞💧

This advice is useful to everyone, however you use the water. It has helped save the lives of more than 50 people in all sorts of situations. From children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, from people swept out by waves, to fisherman falling overboard.

The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool.

Remember these 5 simple steps to save your life

how to float in water

5 simple steps to save your life.