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  • open-water-safety-tips
  1. Home
  2. Open Water Safety Tips

Open Water Safety Tips

Around 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites. Many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of open water safety. The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.

The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented. Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventure it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing. All of these hazards can be controlled through proper organisation and planning. 

Risks to consider in open water include:

  • The shock of cold water can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty in getting out of the water
  • Lack of safety equipment and increased difficulty for rescue
  • The height of the fall or jump if tombstoning
  • The depth of the water – this changes and is unpredictable
  • Underwater objects and hazards may not be visible
  • Obstacles or other people in the water
  • Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away
  • Uneven banks and river beds
  • Water quality, e.g. toxic algal blooms and industrial/agricultural pollution

Our #BePrepared hub has everything you need to enjoy open water safely this summer.

Click here to take our free online water safety toolkit and understand basic self-survival and rescue

OPEN WATER SWIMMING SAFETY

OPEN WATER SWIMMING SAFETY

Read more

Published: 27th March, 2021

Author: Kelly Key

SPONGE TO PLUNGE

SPONGE TO PLUNGE

Read more

Published: 26th March, 2021

Updated: 1st April, 2021

Author: Kelly Key

GUIDANCE FOR TEACHING IN OPEN WATER

GUIDANCE FOR TEACHING IN OPEN WATER

Read more

Published: 25th March, 2021

Updated: 30th March, 2021

Author: Kelly Key

COLD WATER SHOCK – THE FACTS AND SCIENCE

COLD WATER SHOCK – THE FACTS AND SCIENCE

Read more

Published: 22nd March, 2021

Updated: 30th March, 2021

Author: Kelly Key

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Showing 10 of 4

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    Contact Us

    If you are looking to make an enquiry to the society, our customer service team will be able to help.

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    National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

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    IQL UK Qualifications Explained

    Our regulated qualifications are qualifications that are reviewed, recognised and monitored by Ofqual, Our non-regulated qualifications are certificated by RLSS UK

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The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1046060) and in Scotland (SC037912). Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (3033781). Registered office: RLSS UK, Red Hill House, 227 London Road, Worcester, WR5 2JG Images and copyright © RLSS UK.