In the last 5 years, runners and walkers accounted for 35% of water-related accidental fatalities.

Be sure that you know how to stay safe around water and know what to do in an emergency situation.

On average in the UK, there are 88 water-related accidental fatalities each year whilst running or walking near water.*

Top Water Safety Tips for running or walking near open water

Stop and Think	When running or walking next to open water, stay well clear of bank edges. They are often unstable, and this can create slips, trips and falls.  If you are running or walking early in the morning or late at night make sure you stay in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
Stay Together	Try always to walk or run with a friend.

In an emergency

Call 999	Take a fully charged mobile phone, ideally in a waterproof holder. If you see somebody in trouble in the water, don't enter the water to rescue - call 999. Ask for the Fire and Rescue Service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast.
Float	If you fall into the water, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If you see someone in trouble in the water, don't enter the water to rescue – throw something in that floats to help them. Ideally, take a throw line with you and practice how to use it. Consider learning basic lifesaving skills, such as CPR.

Based on the WAter Incident Database (WAID) statistics over a five-year period (2018-2022):

•    In the last 5 years, 441 people in the UK accidentally lost their lives to drowning whilst running or walking.
•    67% of these accidental fatalities occurred inland, 31% at the coast, and 2% in other locations.
•    38% of accidental fatalities of those running or walking, occurred on a Saturday or Sunday.
•    In 98% of cases, the person unexpectedly fell or was swept into the water.
•    78% of those who lost their lives were male.

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Tides

In the UK tides are relatively regular and predictable, yet despite this fact every year several people are caught out by rapidly rising water and end up being trapped in isolated bays. If you intend to venture across any beach or bank affected by tidal water, make sure you know when the incoming tide is expected and know where all the exits are

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* Source: WAID (2018-2022)