Water safety experts and organizations are urging people to follow specific safety guidelines while swimming in open water across the UK this summer [1, 2].

These warnings come during Drowning Prevention Week to reduce the risk of fatal accidents and water-related injuries as more people enter the sea and lakes [2, 4].

Officials from the RNLI, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, and local firefighters said swimmers should prioritize using designated swimming spots [1, 2]. These areas are typically monitored or known to be safer for public access. Experts said that understanding riptides is essential for anyone entering the ocean to avoid being pulled away from the shore [1, 2].

Safety officials said against the use of inflatables in open water. These items can be quickly swept away by wind or currents, creating dangerous situations for swimmers who rely on them for buoyancy [1, 2].

Guidance issued for regions including southwest England and East Yorkshire emphasizes that safety does not have to be expensive [2, 3]. Officials said that following low-cost safety recommendations can significantly lower the risk of accidents [1, 2].

Local authorities said that awareness of the environment is the first line of defense. This includes checking weather conditions and water depths before entering the water [1, 2]. By combining these habits with the use of designated zones, swimmers can maintain the affordability of the activity while minimizing danger [2, 4].

“Swimmers should prioritize using designated swimming spots.”

The coordinated push by the RNLI and local emergency services reflects a broader public health effort to mitigate seasonal spikes in drowning incidents. By focusing on low-cost, behavioral changes rather than expensive equipment, officials aim to make water safety accessible to all socioeconomic groups during the peak summer months.