Water Safety Code

5 ways to make sure your child is safe near water....

1. Spot the dangers 

- Never fool around or run beside water - they might trip and fall in.

- Take care on the riverbank - it can be slippery or 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.

- Choose a swimming pool or beach where there are lifeguards on duty.

- Always follow the advice of lifeguards at the seaside.

- Look for signs or flags telling you where it is safe to swim.

- Never swim where a sign or flag says not to.

3. Don't go alone, take a friend.

- Always tell someone where you are going and who you are going with.

- Never let children go swimming, fishing or boating on their own.

- If you go alone there will be nobody to help if you get in trouble.

- Ensure you go with a friend. Even if they can't help out, they can go and get help.

4. Learn how to help.

- If you see someone in trouble in the water, here's how you can help.

- Keep calm and 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 the edge of the water - lie down and hold onto something to make sure you ..don't get pulled in.

- If you can't reach the person and no-one comes when you shout for help,

find the nearest telephone and ring 999 or 112.

- Never jump into the water yourself.

5. Join Southampton Lifesaving Club