Yorkshire Water backs NFCC Be Water Aware campaign

Yorkshire Water is once again backing the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign, as the utility company continues to urge people not to enter its reservoirs.

The campaign, which runs from 24-30 April, is also backed by the Yorkshire-based Fire and Rescue Services and aims to encourage sensible behaviour around water, particularly for those who may never intend to enter the water.

The latest figures indicate there were 277 accidental drowning deaths in 2021, with 23 taking place in Yorkshire (nine in West Yorkshire, six in South Yorkshire, five in North Yorkshire and three in East Yorkshire). Across the region, fire services attended 124 water rescues.

Four out of five (82%) accidental drownings in 2021 occurred inland, at reservoirs, lakes and rivers, and 87% of fatalities were male.

The NFCC campaign outlines that many people underestimate the risk of jumping into cold water, with the effects of cold water shock and not knowing how to self-rescue causing even the strongest swimmers to get into difficulties.

Yorkshire Water continues to see people entering its 130 reservoirs on a daily basis, despite warnings about the dangers reservoirs can pose, such as cold water shock, hidden undercurrents and operating machinery.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “Tragically we’ve already seen the dangers of open water in our region this year. With the weather set to improve we’re expecting to see a rise in people entering our reservoirs, whether that be those intending to swim or people deciding the water looks inviting. We are once again backing the NFCC campaign to raise awareness of the dangers open water poses.

“It is vital those visiting our sites stay out of the water, no matter how tempting it may appear. Cold water shock, undercurrents and operating machinery all pose dangers to people deciding to enter the water.

“If people see others in difficulty in the water, they should contact the emergency services on 999 as they are trained to deal with such events.”

Yorkshire Water has further enhanced its water safety education programme for children across Yorkshire. Live events and virtual lessons are available for children at Key Stages 1-4.

Aligned to Swim England’s water safety advice, the events inform children how to keep themselves and their friends safe near open water and explain the hidden dangers in reservoirs, rivers, canals and seas.

Yorkshire Water’s education team also explain ‘Float to Live’ lifesaving technique and what to do in an emergency.

Water safety resources can be found on the Yorkshire Water website and education events can be booked via Yorkshire Water’s education pages