1. SPOT THE DANGERS
Whenever you’re near water always take extra care:

• Never fool around or run beside water - you might trip and fall in.
• Take care on the riverbank - it may be slippery and can crumble.
• Keep away from the edge of canals - the water is often very deep.
• Beware of locks and weirs - the water flows very quickly.

2. TAKE SAFETY ADVICE
To be safe, choose a swimming pool or beach where there are lifeguards:

• Always follow the advice of a lifeguard at the seaside, find out when and where it is safe to swim.
• Look for signs or flags which tell you where it is safe to swim.
• Never swim where a sign or flag say not to go.

3. DON’T GO ALONE
If you’re alone there will be no-one to help if you get in trouble in the water:

• Never go swimming, fishing or boating on your own.
• Go with a friend who can help you if you’re in trouble in the water.
• Even if they can’t help you out, they can go and get other help.
• Always make sure a grown-up knows where you are going and when you will be back.

4. LEARN HOW TO HELP
If you see someone in trouble in the water, here’s how you can help:

• Keep calm - always think before you act.
• Try to get help - shout " HELP, HELP" as loud as you can.
• Reach out with a stick, a pole, a towel or clothing to pull the person to waters edge - lie down and hold onto something so that you don’t get pulled in.
• If you can’t reach the person and no-one comes when you shout "HELP, HELP" telephone 999 or 112 and ask for help.

NEVER JUMP IN THE WATER YOURSELF