NI Water is marking World Drowning Prevention Day with a fresh appeal to the public to stay out of reservoirs and be aware of the hidden dangers that can turn a summer visit into a life-threatening emergency.

Held annually on 25 July, World Drowning Prevention Day highlights the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities and promotes the simple, life-saving actions that can help prevent tragedy.

With the school summer holidays underway and more people enjoying outdoor spaces, NI Water is reminding visitors that its reservoirs are working sites and are not safe for swimming, paddling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking or inflatables.

NI Water Facilities Senior Manager Patricia McKee said: “Reservoirs may look calm, but they carry hidden dangers including cold water shock, deep water, steep banks, submerged inlet pipes that can withdraw large volumes of water and create powerful underwater currents and unseen hazards. With no lifeguards on duty, the safest choice is to stay out and keep back from the edge. 

“On World Drowning Prevention Day, we’re urging families to talk about water safety: respect signs, supervise children, keep dogs on leads and never enter NI Water reservoirs. If someone is in difficulty, call 999 or 101 - do not enter the water yourself.”

NI Water is encouraging everyone visiting reservoirs and surrounding walking routes to enjoy these places responsibly by following a few simple safety steps:

• Do not swim, paddle, dive or take part in any water-based activity at reservoirs.
• Stay back from the water’s edge and obey all safety signage.
• Supervise children closely and speak to young people about open water risks.
• Keep dogs on leads near water to prevent them, or their owners, getting into difficulty.
• The National Water Safety Forum and RNLI advise if you get into difficulty, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat, control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
• In an emergency, call 999 or 101. Ask for the fire service if inland, or the coastguard if at the coast.

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.

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