As World Drowning Prevention Week begins to take place (13th-20th June 2026), NI Water is reminding everyone visiting its reservoirs this summer to enjoy these beautiful outdoor spaces responsibly and always make the right decisions around water safety.

World Drowning Prevention Week is a global awareness week which highlights the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities, while sharing life-saving messages that can help prevent tragedy.

With the school summer holidays approaching, NI Water is reminding the public that all water activities are strictly prohibited at its reservoirs, including swimming, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking and inflatables, and is urging parents and guardians to speak to young people about the dangers of open water.

NI Water facilities senior manager Patricia McKee said: “Our reservoirs may look calm and inviting on a warm day, but they are working sites and can be extremely cold, deep and dangerous. Even a quick paddle can become an emergency due to cold water shock, strong currents, hidden hazards and steep, slippery banks.

“Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe. We want everyone to enjoy these beautiful places safely, so please keep out of the water, stay back from the edge, and make sure children and young people understand the dangers.

“Reservoirs are not safe for water-based activities and there are no lifeguards on duty. Please remember to stay safe by respecting NI Water’s safety signage, staying back from the water’s edge, supervising children closely and keeping dogs on leads near water. Do not enter the water at NI Water reservoirs and, if you see someone in difficulty, do not attempt to enter the water yourself. Call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the fire service if inland.”

Reservoir safety facts from NI Water:
•    Reservoir water remains extremely cold, even during the summer months.
•    Cold water shock can affect breathing, movement and the ability to swim.
•    Strong underwater currents can trouble even the most confident swimmers.
•    Reservoirs are often much deeper than they appear.
•    Hidden debris, weeds, plants, pumps and mechanical equipment can cause injury or entanglement.
•    Steep, slippery banks can make it very difficult to get out of the water.
•    There are no lifeguards on duty at NI Water reservoirs.

In addition to NI Water reservoirs, there are many other public and private reservoirs and there are many other locations where water hazards can be encountered, including rivers, lakes, canals, quarries, and coastal areas. While they may appear safe, these environments often contain hidden dangers such as strong currents, sudden drops, unstable banks, and cold water that can quickly lead to shock. It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid entering the water unless it is clearly designated as safe to do so.

The National Water Safety Forum and RNLI offer the following advice if you get into difficulty around water:

• Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to help you float, and 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.
• Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue. Look for something that floats and throw it to the person in difficulty if it is safe to do so.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• NI Water’s Recreation and Access Guidance states that swimming activity by members of the public is strictly not permitted at any NI Water owned publicly accessible site or reservoir. This includes all reservoirs, whether currently in use or out of use.
  
  NIW Reservoir Safety Flyer

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