Stay Safe Near Water – Important Advice

Dear Residents,

With the warmer weather, we understand it can be tempting to cool off by swimming in lakes, rivers, and other open water areas around London. However, we would like to remind everyone of the serious risks involved.

At this time of year, water temperatures remain very cold, even on warm days. Cold water shock can occur quickly and unexpectedly, making it difficult to swim or stay afloat. In addition, there may be hidden dangers beneath the surface, such as strong currents, sudden drops, debris, or underwater hazards.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) provides important guidance on staying safe near water, 

which can be found here: https://rnli.org/safety

Sadly, emergency services attend a number of tragic incidents every year involving inland rivers and lakes, where lives are lost. 

These incidents are often preventable.

Please help keep yourself and your family safe by:

Your safety is our priority. By taking these precautions, we can all enjoy the warmer weather responsibly.

Kind regards,

Safer Neighbourhood Team