The sunshine has been glorious lately, and naturally, so many of us are heading outdoors to cool off. From lakes and rivers to canals and reservoirs, open water can be beautiful, refreshing and tempting.
But it’s also unpredictable. Sadly, there have been some devastating local incidents this summer, and it’s a sobering reminder that water safety is something we can never take for granted.
As much as I personally love open water swimming, I won’t be sharing specific locations we visit and encouraging anyone to participate in anything which is unsafe. Instead, I want to share some simple but important tips to help you and your family stay safe.
Why Open Water is Different
Even confident swimmers can get into trouble outdoors. Unlike a swimming pool, open water can:
- Be much colder, which can lead to cold water shock
- Have hidden debris, sharp objects, or weeds – especially of concern when jumping/diving in.
- Drop off suddenly with no clear edges
- Contain unpredictable currents or undercurrents
- Be difficult for rescuers to reach in an emergency
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the water, but it does mean you need to take extra care.
Essential Water Safety Tips
1. Always tell someone where you’re going and what time you’ll be back.
2. Never enter the water unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe. If in doubt, don’t.
3. Wear bright clothing or a brightly coloured swim hat so you’re more visible.
4. Know your exact location – keep the postcode or What3Words reference handy.
5. Be aware of sudden changes in weather, currents, or water levels.
6. If you’re enjoying water sports, always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid.
7. Never swim alone, always go with a buddy.
Talking to Children About Water Safety
Children are naturally drawn to water, so it’s important to have age-appropriate conversations about staying safe.
Explain why open water is not the same as a swimming pool, it’s colder, deeper, and full of hidden risks. Teach them what to do if they fall in: stay calm, float on their back, and shout for help. Make it clear they should never go near or in the water without an adult. Model good behaviour yourself, always wear safety gear and show them it’s okay to say no if something feels unsafe.
Building Confidence Through Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons aren’t just about learning strokes, they build water confidence and essential life-saving skills. Arlo has been attending lessons from 12 weeks old with his first Waterbabies classes being more cute than anything. He currently attends regular classes at the local leisure centre and also with school. During the holidays he has participated in extra courses, including for achievement of distance badges at the leisure centre and for water sports at a local outdoor pursuits centre.
Look out for lessons that include water safety awareness. Many leisure centres offer RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society) Rookie Lifeguard sessions for kids. Encourage your child to practice swimming in different conditions (with supervision), so they understand how water feels outside of a pool.
Even if your child is a strong swimmer, remember that open water is still a completely different environment.
Outdoor Activities – Choosing the Right Providers
As tempting as it is for me, I have avoided buying our own paddle-board and taking Arlo out solo because quite frankly I know I’m not strong enough or knowledgable enough to be able to rescue him in an emergency situation. Instead we have joined water sports classes. If you’re signing your child up for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or wild swimming, always check the provider is legitimate and fully trained.
- Look for qualified instructors with recognised training.
- Check if the organisation is accredited by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) or similar.
- Ask about safety ratios, DBS checks, and emergency procedures.
- Make sure appropriate safety equipment (like life jackets) is provided.
A good provider will always welcome your questions and be happy to explain their safety measures.
I prefer instructors who take their time and will check the fit of vests and helmets and ask plenty of questions and have even had them asked Arlo to prove he swim 25 metres fully clothed before allowing him to join in activities. If you feel like there’s something not quite right then do not participate.
Enjoying the Water Safely
You don’t have to avoid open water entirely, it can be a wonderful way to spend time outdoors but please respect it. Stay alert, be prepared, and never take risks.
If you want to cool off without the hazards of wild swimming, consider visiting a lifeguarded outdoor pool, splash park, or supervised beach instead. Our guide has plenty of places to explore which are accredited and supervised.
Let’s all look out for each other and make sure this summer stays safe and enjoyable for everyone.