COAST AND RIVER DANGERS HIGHLIGHTED AS BE WATER AWARE WEEK GETS UNDERWAY

Residents across the Isle of Wight are being urged to stay alert around water as a national safety campaign highlights the hidden dangers that continue to claim lives each year.

Water is never far away across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – from the Solent and our network of rivers to lakes, reservoirs and mudflats, so Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is encouraging people to stay alert to the risks around water and mud this Be Water Aware Week.

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) annual Be Water Aware campaign (Monday 27th April – Sunday 3rd May), aims to highlight the ongoing and preventable risk of accidental drowning.

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Tragically, lives continue to be lost in coastal and inland waters across the UK and between 2019 – 2024, 1,602 people died in accidental drowning incidents. Alarmingly, around half of people who drown had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls from paths or riverbanks noted as a leading cause.

Cold water shock also remains an underestimated danger. Even on warm days, UK waters stay cold enough to trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly overwhelm even confident swimmers.

As part of this year’s campaign, HIWFRS is also highlighting the risks posed by mud near coastlines and rivers. Fire and rescue crews, alongside the Coastguard and RNLI, are frequently called to help people who have become stuck while exploring coastal paths and beaches. As the local area includes many popular coastal and waterfront walks, HIWFRS is reminding people to plan ahead, stick to designated paths and follow local warning signs.

HIWFRS Community Safety Development Officer Alex Jansz said:

“Too often, serious incidents happen unexpectedly — even to people who never intended to enter the water. Cold temperatures, hidden hazards and sudden changes can overwhelm even confident individuals, turning an ordinary moment into a life-threatening situation.

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“As we move into the summer months and more people spend time outdoors, the Be Water Aware campaign offers practical guidance to help people stay safer around water — and to feel more prepared to respond if something goes wrong.”

Water safety tips:  

• Most accidental drownings occur in inland waters such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries. Calm water can hide strong currents, sudden drops and cold temperatures.
• Cold water shock can affect anyone. Enter water slowly to allow your body to acclimatise — never jump straight in.
• Many drownings involve slips, trips or falls when people are walking near water.
• Avoid walking close to water after drinking.
• If someone is in trouble in the water, call 999 immediately. Ask for the Coastguard if you are at the coast.
• Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue. Instead, encourage the person to float on their back and throw them something that floats, such as a throwline, stick or clothing.
• If you fall into water unexpectedly, fight the instinct to thrash. Tilt your head back, spread your arms and legs, and float to regain control of your breathing.

HIWFRS hopes that by sharing these simple but vital safety messages, communities can enjoy the outdoors safely and help prevent avoidable tragedies as the warmer months approach.