Last updated by charlotte.lang@essex.gov.uk on Wednesday, September 18, 2024

With the school summer holidays almost upon us, now is a good time to reinforce water safety messages. The Royal Life Saving Society UK state that 46% of drownings occur in the summer months, rising to 75% amongst 13 – 17 year olds. It's a shocking statistic but it doesn't have to be that way.

Whatever age your child is, there are important messages you can share with them. From simple things like not running near the edge of the swimming pool, to always swimming with someone when in the sea, safe use of inflatables and how to identify rip currents. 

And always, always remember 'float to live'. If at any time a swimmer is struggling, feels tired, has cramp, they can turn onto their back, in a starfish shape, and float.