World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to highlight the profound impact of drowning on families and local communities and offering life-saving solutions to prevent it.

As part of this important awareness day, NI Water is appealing to people visiting its reservoirs to enjoy its sites responsibly this summer and always make the right decisions about water safety.

With World Drowning Prevention Day coming half-way through the summer holiday period and the forecast giving more warm weather for the weekend ahead, NI Water says it’s important people remember all water activities are strictly prohibited at its sites and to always make the right decisions about water safety.

NI Water facilities senior manager Patricia McKee said: “Our reservoirs might look like the perfect place to cool down and relax on a warm day but even an innocent paddle can quickly turn into an emergency as the water is extremely cold, deep and brings lots of risks like strong currents, hidden underwater hazards and difficulty exiting the water.

“We’re aware that the National Water Safety Forum recently shared that there are 3 x more drownings when temperatures reach 25°C.  We also know that in 2024 the Water Incident Database (WAID) revealed a shocking statistic that in the 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. 

“These statistics further emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant and treating our waterways with respect. Our reservoirs and the land around them are working sites and are therefore dangerous and all water activities are strictly prohibited. Please always remember to play safe and stay safe and always behave responsibly by adhering to our safety signage on site."

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 and RNLI 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.

Ends 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com