As part of Drowning Prevention Week (14th-21st June), NI Water is reminding people to enjoy its sites responsibly this summer and to always make the right decisions about water safety.
Drowning Prevention Week is an annual awareness campaign that coincides with the start of the summer season when people are often seeking out recreation around various water locations. The initiative highlights the importance of water safety and aims to educate people of all ages with essential skills, knowledge and awareness to always stay safe around water.
NI Water facilities senior manager Patricia McKee explains there can be no complacency around water. She said: “NI Water is the second biggest landowner in NI and we want people to enjoy our sites responsibly this summer. Our reservoirs might look like the perfect place to cool down on a warm day but even an innocent paddle can quickly turn into an emergency as the water is extremely cold, deep and bring lots of risks.
“In 2024 the Water Incident Database (WAID), which was developed by the National Water Forum, revealed a shocking statistic that in UK inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, recreational activities account for 48% of deaths, mostly occurring in the month of July. This further emphasises the need to remain vigilant and treat our waterways with respect. Please always remember to play safe and stay safe around our reservoirs and behave responsibly."
Reservoir safety facts from NI Water:
- The water in reservoirs have bitterly cold temperatures, even in the summer months
- Strong underwater currents can trouble even the most confident of swimmers
- Reservoirs are often very deep, much deeper than you expect
- There may be hidden debris or underwater hazards which can cause injury, including weeds and plants, pumps / mechanical equipment which can entangle you under the water
- It can be very difficult to get out of the water (steep slimy banks)
- There are no lifeguards on duty
The National Water Safety Forum have some important advice if you get into difficulty around water:
- Float to Live: lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety
- If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com
