SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PROMPT CANAL CHARITY TO ASK TEENAGERS TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER THIS SUMMER

Summer is one of the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers and the Trust is expecting many of its waterways to be particularly popular. However, 62% of the accidental water-related deaths in 2021 happened at inland waters such as canals, rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs (1).

With World Drowning Prevention Day taking place on 25th July at the start of the summer holidays, Canal & River Trust is asking young people to experience all the safe ways to enjoy the canals this summer but to avoid getting in the water:

Canal and river water will be really cold, even in the summer, and immersion in cold water could bring on cold water shock. Have a cool drink instead.
If you want to jump and dive, head to your local swimming pool. Canals can be shallow and you could seriously hurt yourself if you jump from a bridge, while locks are a lot deeper than expected.
Lounge in the shade of waterside trees, rather than get tangled in waterway reeds.
Have an ice cream at a waterside café.
Keep your cool – chill out by the water and enjoy the feeling of peacefulness it brings you.
Anne Gardner-Aston, director of health & safety at the Canal & River Trust explains: “Canals and rivers are lovely relaxing places to spend time during the warm weather, but it’s important that children and teenagers are aware of the dangers of cooling off by going for a dip with friends. The consequences can be devastating.

“Inland waterways, like canals, rivers, reservoirs and docks can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. The water often isn’t clear and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water, and even on a hot day the water can be extremely cold. Jumping into locks or into canals from bridges is a terrible idea and can cause nasty injuries. If you want to swim, go to a pool or find an open water swimming club near you by visiting our website.”

For tips on how to talk to teenagers and young people about water safety and staying safe near canals and rivers, go to: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/water-safety-for-teenagers-and-young-people

For younger children, the Canal & River Trust ‘Explorers’ water safety programme, which focuses on children in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, aims to help children learn about and enjoy their local canal or river safely. It can also be used towards a number of Cub Scout and Brownie badges. Dozens of volunteers nationwide help the Trust each year by visiting schools and speaking to youth groups about their local canal or river. If you’d like to see the free resources available or if you’re interested in helping the Trust educate young people about their local canal or river, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers