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Call, Tell, Throw: Advice on staying safe when swimming this summer

WATCH: Sian Sedgwick from Swim England gave this advice

When the weather is hot and sunny, it can feel really tempting to cool off with a swim. But water can be dangerous, especially open water - that means outdoor places like rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs and the sea.

Even on a warm day, open water can be much colder than it looks.

Cold water can make it hard to breathe, move or think clearly.

There may also be hidden dangers under the surface, like weeds, rocks, rubbish, strong currents or sudden deep drops.

That's why experts say the safest places to swim are places made for swimming, such as swimming pools, or beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

What do the different flags at the beach mean?

At a lifeguarded beach, always check the flags before going in.

A red and yellow striped flag shows the safest place to swim where lifeguards are on duty, so stay between them.

Black and white flags are for boards and boats, not swimmers.

And if you see a full red flag, don't go in - it means the water is dangerous.

Tips to stay safe in and around water

What should you do if you see someone struggling in water?

If you see someone in trouble in the water, do not jump in after them, even if you are a good swimmer. You could get into trouble too.

Instead, remember three words:

  • Call - Call 999 straight away. If it is at the coast, ask for the Coastguard. If it is inland, such as a river, canal, lake or reservoir, ask for Fire and Rescue.

  • Tell - Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back with their head back and arms out and legs - a bit like a starfish - if they're able to.

  • Throw - Throw something that floats, such as a life ring, ball, empty plastic bottle or cool box, to help them stay above the water until help arrives.