Representatives provide key water safety advice ahead of May half term

Youngsters across the Royal Borough are being reminded of the dangers of open water ahead of the May half term and start of the summer.

Leisure Focus officially launched its River and Open Water Safety and Drowning Prevention campaign earlier this month.

The trust, which runs both the Braywick and Windsor leisure centres has partnered with the Maidenhead Advertiser for its fourth year on a campaign to promote safety around open water, rivers and lakes.

Running until September, the initiative will equip pupils with essential water safety knowledge through interactive educational resources.

As part of the initiative, a hard-hitting video showing the dangers of open water is being shared on social media, and with schools.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is among the organisations supporting the campaign.

“Whilst we want people to enjoy themselves, we must take the opportunity to remind people that accidents can happen,” said Nicola Smith, RBFRS prevention manager.

“In 2023, more than half of the people who accidentally drowned in the UK had no intention of entering the water.

“When running or walking next to the water, stay clear of the edges.

“Cliff edges and riverbanks can be unstable and slippery, particularly after wet weather.

“Take extra care by looking out for trip or slip hazards as you walk along the water’s edge.”

She added: “If you wish to swim in open waters, either go as part of an organised swimming group or go to a location that is marked as safe for swimming, ideally with a lifeguard.

“Other open water locations can be dangerous, as there is often no way to be sure of what is beneath the surface. Unseen currents or debris could pull you under.

“If you find yourself in trouble in water, try not to panic and remember to ‘float to live’.

“Float on your back with your arms and legs spread to help regain control of your breathing. Once any cold water shock has passed, which usually takes around 90 seconds, call out for help or try to swim to safety.

“Likewise, if you see someone else is in trouble, call 999 immediately and ask for either the Fire Service if you’re inland or the Coastguard if you’re at the beach.

“Shout out to the person to help them focus on their surroundings. If you are near a life ring or throw bag, please use them.”

Safety awareness banners are also being displayed at leisure centres and ‘high-risk open water areas’ across the Royal Borough, including at Ray Mill Island and Cock Marsh.

The campaign is also supporting the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK’s Drowning Prevention Week from Saturday, June 14 to Saturday, June 21.

Matt Croxall, interim charity director for RLSS UK, said: “It’s great to see Braywick Leisure Centre supporting our flagship campaign, Drowning Prevention Week, for another year.

“As a charity, we saw an estimated 1.49 million children educated in water safety across the UK and Ireland in 2024.

“Activities, like the ones provided by Braywick Leisure Centre staff, will ensure more children have the right knowledge to enjoy water safely this summer in Maidenhead and beyond.”

To view the video ‘Don’t be a Hero, Don’t become a Memory’, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwpdnR9haNo