The water safety tips every parent needs to know during hot weather

Experts share the key water safety tips every parent should know after a rise in open water deaths during the UK's first 2026 heatwave.

young boy standing on jetty of a lake in swimwear

Published: May 28, 2026 at 2:14 PM

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With temperatures soaring across the UK this May, families are flocking to beaches, lakes, rivers and outdoor swimming spots to cool off. But alongside the sunshine has come a tragic reminder of how dangerous open water can be.

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Emergency services have responded to multiple incidents during the recent heatwave, with reports that 10 people – including children and teenagers – have died in open water accidents across the UK in recent days.

Experts say many of these tragedies happen quickly and silently, often when people underestimate cold water, strong currents or hidden dangers beneath the surface.

And while schools do teach water safety, knowing what to watch for as a parent has never felt more important.

Water safety is something children start learning at school

If your child is in primary school, they should already be learning essential swimming and water safety skills through PE lessons.

By the end of Year 6, children are expected to be able to:

These lessons are designed to help children stay calm and make safer choices around water — whether they’re at a swimming pool, the seaside or near rivers and lakes.

Schools are supported by organisations including Swim England, the RNLI and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).

Open water is very different from a swimming pool

Crying female child in orange inflatable life jacket struggling to stay on water surface, screaming and calling for help drowning in river. Unattended girl closed eyes, sinking in empty lake.

One of the biggest dangers during hot weather is that lakes, rivers and reservoirs can look calm and inviting — especially to children and teens.

But experts warn open water can contain:

The RNLI also warns against using inflatables in the sea or open water, as they can quickly drift far from shore.

The signs a child is struggling in water are often silent

One of the most important things parents need to know is this: drowning rarely looks dramatic or how you imagine.

In real life, children usually cannot shout, wave or splash for help because their bodies are focused on trying to breathe.

Experts call this the Instinctive Drowning Response.

Instead, a child struggling in the water may:

As water safety experts often remind parents: children playing happily in water are noisy – silence can be a warning sign.

The water safety rules every family should know this summer

Girl training with instructor in swimming pool. Sportive and healthy hobby in childhood. Teacher helping child to learn how to swim with her own.

1. Stick to lifeguarded areas whenever possible

If you’re heading to the beach, choose areas with lifeguards and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Avoid swimming in rivers, canals, reservoirs or lakes unless they are designated swimming areas.

2. Never assume older children are “fine”

Many drowning incidents involve older children and teenagers who appear confident in water.
Even strong swimmers can panic in cold water or get caught out by currents.

3. Avoid inflatables in open water

Lilos and inflatable toys can drift quickly in wind or currents and are safest kept for pools.

4. Teach children to float

The RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice can save lives. If children find themselves in trouble in water, they should:

5. Keep watching — even if there’s a lifeguard

Experts recommend staying distraction-free around water. That means putting phones away and actively supervising children, even in shallow water or paddling areas.

6. Talk about water safety before days out

Before heading to the beach or river, have simple conversations about:

What to do if your child has been submerged underwater

Even if your child seems OK afterwards, experts say you should monitor them closely for the next 24 hours after any near-drowning incident.

Watch for symptoms including:

If your child develops any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical advice immediately.

“Swimming and water safety is about confidence, not just capability”

The Department for Education says swimming and water safety lessons are designed to help children “know how to keep safe in and around water”.

But during periods of unusually hot weather — when more families are spending time near water — experts say these conversations at home become even more important.

Where parents can get more advice

Useful resources include:

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Quick facts: water safety for children this summer

Authors

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Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!

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