How to keep your children safe around water this summer as drownings increase
Scots have enjoyed their fair share of piping weather already this summer. With these scorching days comes the chance to head to the beach, get out the paddling pool, or even go wild swimming in one of our stunning lochs.
But activities involving water can pose several hazards, especially to kids. In fact, cases of drowning increase significantly during hotter seasons, when families go to refresh by taking part in water-based activities.
So it's crucial to be aware of the hazards water can pose to young kids and teens. Jo Talbot, commercial director at Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), has offered her advice on keeping youngsters safe.
With this in mind, the expert has shared some safety tips for parents of under fives, over fives, and teens, so that wherever you go with the kids this summer, you can enjoy water activities without the worry.
Water safety tips for parents of under fives
Supervise
'Always watch children near water and keep them within arm's reach,' advises Talbot. 'When your children are in the water, supervise them at all times, enjoy the water with them.'
Carlene McAvoy, senior policy manager for water safety at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) adds: 'Hold your child's hand when near any waterways inland or at the coast.'
Secure a pram
If a pram's brake doesn't work, it can lead to the pram rolling away, potentially causing injury to the child and others. 'Always secure the brake on a pushchair or pram when near waterways,' advises McAvoy.
Lock and cover pools or jacuzzis
'If you have a hot or cold tub, make sure it's locked and covered so that young children cannot access it,' recommends McAvoy. 'Paddling pools should always be emptied and stored away somewhere safe when not in use.'
Fence off garden ponds
'Be aware of visiting places or friends with garden ponds,' says McAvoy. 'Always keep an eye on your young ones. If you have a pond, we recommend filling it in or securely fencing it off.'
Water safety tips for parents of over fives
Go to supervised swimming sites
'If you decide to go swimming with your children, it's best to use a properly supervised site with lifeguards such as a life-guarded beach, lido or swimming pool,' recommends McAvoy.
Choose bright coloured swimwear
'Dress your child in brightly coloured swimwear so they can be seen,' suggests Talbot.
Look at tide times
'Don't get cut off by tides,' stresses McAvoy. 'If you're heading to the beach or a tidal lake or river, take some time to plan your day around the tides.
"Go to the Met Office to enter your location and find out what time high and low tide will be.'
Teach them about the Water Safety Code
The Water Safety Code is a set of simple, easy-to-remember guidelines which encourages people to Stop and Think, Stay Together, Call 999 and Float.
'Teach children and young people to call 999 in an emergency and to tell the call operator that you have a water-based emergency at the coast or inland,' advises McAvoy.
Water safety tips for parents of teens
Educate them on water safety hazards
'We encourage parents of teenagers to discuss water safety and the dangers of inland water, such as rivers, lakes and quarries,' says Talbot. 'Being able to swim can sometimes not be enough to keep them safe.
'Hazards under the water can cause entrapment, currents can pull a person underwater; and even when the air temperature is high the water can be cold which will affect a person's ability to swim, causing them to drown.'
Tell them about the risks of alcohol near water
Drinking alcohol, especially excessively, poses several risks when combined with water or when near bodies of water. Explain how alcohol can impair your judgement and increase the chances of an accident, advises McAvoy.
Warn them about the dangers of jumping into the unknown
'You can't always see what's under the water and if you crash into a rock or other submerged items you're at risk of serious impact injuries,' warns McAvoy.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Daily Record
Will Scotland see the next 32C heatwave headed for the UK?
More piping weather is headed for Britain It's safe to say that Scots have seen some mixed weather recently, with a scorching heatwave earlier in the month followed by several bouts of storms and downpours last weekend. But according to weather charts, another scorcher is headed for the UK, and while Scotland won't get all of the sun, we're set to see a welcome change from the recent drizzle. A three-day heatwave is headed for the UK at the start of next month, mostly affecting down south. WX Charts predicts a scorcher from August 5 to August 7, were southern temperatures could see a peak of 32C, which was also the maximum mercury in Scotland during the last heatwave. But as the south basks in piping temperatures, will we Scots get another chance to sunbathe? We definitely won't see heatwave conditions, but we should expect some sunny spells and comfortably warm temperatures for the same week. While Scots may not see quite as tropical temperatures as southern England, we can expect some heat just before the coming sunny spell hits the rest of the UK. On Sunday, August 3, WX Charts predicts some toasty temperatures peaking at 22C in the east of the country, stretching from the Central Belt all the way up to the top of the Highlands. Monday, August 4 is to see more warm temperatures, even if they're not heatwave worthy. On this day, the mercury is to reach the same max of 22C around Glasgow, with much of the country seeing warm weather ranging in the mid to high teens. Temperatures are to remain similar for the rest of that week, with mild weather reaching a peak of around 21C, while England sizzles in much hotter conditions. The Met Office's long-range forecast for July 29 - August 7 says: "The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected across southern and eastern parts of the country. "Through the period, high pressure may start to have greater influence as it builds northeast across the country. This bringing more prolonged settled spells to many areas. Breeziest conditions across the north of the country. "Temperatures generally near average though with some warmer spells likely." The coming period of more settled weather comes after consistently erratic conditions have been seen across the country over the past few weeks. Earlier this month, Scots saw a scorching heatwave with the mercury breaking 32C, a temperature that has only been seen six times in Scotland since 1961. Scots basked in weather reaching as high as 32.2C two weeks ago in Aviemore, where the hottest Scottish day since 2023 was recorded on Saturday, July 12. Last weekend then saw several yellow thunderstorm and rainfall warnings for much of the UK, when heavy downpours drenched the country, even though temperatures were still in the high teens for most of Scotland. The Met Office warned of widespread disruption, including some damage to buildings and a small chance of danger to life, which are all consequences associated with a yellow thunderstorm warning. These erratic and changeable conditions come as the Met Office issued a warning that climate change is turning extreme weather into a 'new normal' for the UK, as angry storms, flash flooding and searing temperatures become all the more frequent. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Exact date Scotland will battered by rare ‘pollen bomb' as temperatures set to hit 22 degrees
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are facing a 'pollen bomb' affecting half the country over the next 24 hours - as the mercury rises to 22C. Around 2.2million residents are under the threat from the hay fever-inducing grains on Thursday, causing potential misery for many. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A pollen bomb is set to hit parts of Scotland The Met Office prediction covers major cities and towns including Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling. Fife and Dumfries and Galloway also fall within the warning zone. Weather experts indicate grass pollen concentrations will reach elevated levels on Thursday, registering between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic metre. Hay fever reactions typically commence at 50 grains per cubic metre. The remainder of Scotland will maintain low grass pollen readings, with both areas dropping back to minimal levels on Friday. Saturday will witness Grampian and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders experiencing moderate conditions, while all three eastern coastal areas will register moderate readings on Sunday, July 27. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, said: 'The grass pollen season hasn't finished yet in Scotland.' He explained the 'pollen bomb' – an unofficial phrase describing a sudden brief surge of intense pollen release – will spark hay fever reactions in numerous individuals. He added: 'With the latest pollen bomb forecast for the Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders and Central, Tayside and Fife regions, many people will get symptoms again as 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.' We previously reported how Scots are still recovering from last weekend's deluge of torrential downpours and thunderstorms, which caused flooding chaos over the last few days. Parts of the country saw two weeks' worth of rain fall in just one hour as extreme weather gripped the nation. The Met Office issued three back-to-back yellow warnings that lasted from Friday through to Tuesday, and on Monday SEPA issued a total of 16 flood alerts and three flood warnings. Forecasters warned there was a chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater as thunderstorms posed 'a danger to life'. The torrential rain was so severe in some areas that roads and rail lines were left completely submerged, and in other places some locals were forced to use paddleboards to get around towns. So it's no wonder that many Scots will be hoping to see some more sunshine now that we're at the peak time of summer.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Take the high road from West Lothian and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across West Lothian are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including swimming safely outdoors. The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential. Attendees will have the opportunity to: Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
