Yorkshire Water backs NFCC Be Water Aware campaign

Yorkshire Water is backing this year's Be Water Aware campaign by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), by urging people not to enter its reservoirs. 

Running from 28 April-4 May, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the risk of accidental drowning and encourage considerate behaviour around bodies of water. 

The latest figures indicate there were 273 accidental drowning deaths in 2023 across the UK with 15 taking place in Yorkshire (six in West Yorkshire, four in North Yorkshire, four in East Riding Yorkshire, and one in South Yorkshire).  

Almost three-in-five (59%) of all accidental drownings in the UK occurred inland, at reservoirs, lakes and rivers, and 32% occurred on the coast. 

The NFCC campaign outlines that many people underestimate the risk of entering the water. Yorkshire Water sees people entering its 130 reservoirs daily, despite warnings about the dangers reservoirs can pose. 

With the effects of cold-water shock and unseen hazards like operating machinery and hidden undercurrents, even the strongest swimmers can get into difficulties. 

Peter Jacques, director of health and safety at Yorkshire Water, said: “With the warm weather forecast this week, we’re expecting to see an increase in numbers of people wanting to swim. We know how dangerous it can be to enter open bodies of water, like our reservoirs, and would urge everyone to take note of warnings at our sites and not to enter the water.” 

Out of all 2023 accidental drownings, 40% of people had no intention of ever entering the water – slips, trips and falls were commonly the cause of these incidents. 

Peter added: “Water safety goes beyond choosing not to swim or paddle to cool off – it's also about remaining vigilant around the water, particularly if you are looking after children. We are once again backing the NFCC campaign to raise awareness of water safety behaviours and measures. 

“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 continues to offer free water safety education sessions for children across Yorkshire. 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 here and education events can be booked via Yorkshire Water’s education pages.