Be Water Smart

Be water smart and enjoy water safely as a family this summer

Being next to water can help children be happier and healthier, but it’s important that they know how to stay safe. Spending a short time talking about water safety as a family can make a big difference.

The Be Water Smart campaign is here to help you. It shares practical advice and useful resources to ensure your family has the right skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water this summer.

For more information visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart and follow along on social media using the hashtag #BeWaterSmart.

The Be Water Smart campaign has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Be water smart and enjoy water safely this summer

As warmer weather approaches, a new campaign – Be Water Smart – has launched to
support families to enjoy water safely this summer.

Designed to equip parents with important lifesaving knowledge, Be Water Smart aims to raise awareness of the potential risks of swimming in open water, like lakes and rivers, and the simple, proactive steps you as can take to ensure your children have the right skills and knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

With large areas of Cambridgeshire covered by inland water, there are some great
opportunities for fun and safe experiences on the county’s waterways – however unseen hazards, such as cold water shock, strong currents, and hidden rubbish and debris, can cause difficulties for even strong swimmers.

Through sharing useful tips and resources, the campaign will remind families how they can stay safe in, on and around water, and help empower parents to take charge of their family’s water safety education.

Your family can access a range of practical advice and resources via Cambridgeshire
County Council’s website and social media channels, including water safety information, tips for teaching water safety skills, and printable resources and activities to complete with children to help them learn important water safety messages.

Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart and follow the campaign on social
media, using the hashtag #BeWaterSmart.

The Be Water Smart campaign has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Being next to water can help children be happier and healthier, but it’s important they know how to stay safe.

Spending a short time talking about water safety as a family can make a big difference.

You can be water smart by accessing practical advice and useful resources on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website, to help you ensure your family has the right skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water this summer: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

From the safety of the river’s edge, water can look extremely inviting. But many drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of water safety.

Learning to stay safe in and around water is important for every young person, especially as they may not fully understand the risks involved when swimming in open water like lakes and rivers.

We want to ensure children have the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water.

Be water smart by accessing practical advice and useful resources here:
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

It’s never too early to start talking to your children about staying safe near water.
Whether you’re walking or cycling, or out on a trip, talk to your children about water safety when you’re near rivers and lakes – repeating safety messages regularly will help children remember what to do if they ever get into difficulty.

For more information and water safety resources, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water- smart.

Did you know that there are more than 8000 miles of waterways across Cambridgeshire.

But would your child know what to do if they got into difficulty in the water, or saw someone else in trouble?

It’s never too early to start talking to your children about water safety – repeating safety messages regularly will help them to remember what to do in an emergency.

Be water smart by accessing practical advice and useful resources to help you ensure your family has the right skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water this summer:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

Most young people who get into difficulty in the water never planned to enter it.

But would your teenager know what to do if they or their friends were in trouble?

Having regular conversations with young people about water safety can help them to understand the risks involved and know what to do in an emergency.

Learning how to stay safe in and around water can save lives.

You can access practical advice and useful resources on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website, to help you ensure your teenager has the right skills and knowledge to be water smart this summer:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

On a hot day, it might seem like a good idea to cool down in open water. But swimming in lakes and rivers is very different to swimming in a pool – and even strong swimmers can get into difficulties.

Teaching your children the water safety code can help to save lives.

🛑 Stop and think – the water is colder than you may realise and you don’t know what could be underneath.
👥 Stay together – never swim alone and stay close to a friend or family member.
📞 Call 999 – if you see someone in trouble in the water shout for help and call 999.
🛟 Float – if you fall in, try and float on your back. Throw something that floats to anyone who has fallen in.

Repeating safety messages regularly will help them to remember what to do if they ever get into difficulty.

For more information on enjoying water safely, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

Water safety is crucial for everyone, but it’s particularly important for children who may not fully understand the risks involved.

Completing fun and creative activities with your children can help to teach them about water safety and remind them about what to do if they get into difficulty in the water.

Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart to access a variety of fun activities and games you can enjoy together.

Having open conversations with your children about water safety and repeating these messages regularly will help them to remember what to do if they ever get into difficulty in the water.

You can remind them of these simple tips in case they ever fall into the water:

⭐ Keep calm and float on your back in a star shape to try and regain control of your breathing.
✋🏻 When you’re calm, tread water and signal for help – raising one hand in the air and shouting for help.
🛟 Hold onto a floating object if possible and float facing away from any waves to prevent water splashing onto your face.
🌊 Try and keep your head above water.

For more information on enjoying water safely, visit: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart.

It’s never too early to start talking to your children about water safety – and one of the most important things they can learn is what to do if they see someone who needs help.

If they ever see someone struggling in the water, remind them to never get in - even if they think they’re a strong swimmer.

Instead, they can:
🗣️ Shout for help to try and alert the attention of others.
📞 Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, clearly explaining the location by describing any landmarks.
⭐ Keep talking to the person in the water and encourage them to float on their back in a star shape.
⚽ Throw in anything that could help them float – for example a tree branch or a football.

Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/be-water-smart to access guidance and a range of resources to support you to have conversations with your children about water safety.