stay safe around water this summer with these water safety tips

Water safety is something we should all be aware of. Here in Cheshire West and Chester, we’re surrounded by rivers, canals, and waterways - from the River Dee in Chester, to the River Weaver, and local canal networks.

Whether you’re spending some time near open water, walking along a towpath, or visiting a local pool, knowing what to do in an emergency can help keep you and others safe.

Follow along with our YouTube video.

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Remember: Float to Live

If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember the RNLI’s float to live message. Floating on your back can help you conserve energy, control your breathing and give you valuable time while waiting for help.

To float safely:

• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Relax your body and try to control your breathing
• Use gentle hand movements to help you stay afloat
• Keep your face above the water so you can breathe and call for help

If there is something nearby that can help you float, such as a ball or a float, hold onto it for extra support.

Don’t worry if your legs sink a little - the most important thing is keeping your face out of the water so you can breathe and call for help.

Learn How to Tread Water and Scull

Treading water and sculling are useful skills that can help you stay in control while waiting for assistance or looking for a safe route to exit the water.

However, these movements use energy, so they should be used when needed rather than for long periods. Building confidence with these skills through regular swimming practice can make a real difference in an emergency situation.

Build Confidence Through Swimming Lessons

One of the best ways to improve water safety is by learning to swim and developing confidence in the water.

At Brio, our swimming lessons follow the Swim England Learn to Swim framework, helping swimmers of all ages build confidence and learn essential water safety skills step by step.

Whether you’re looking for swimming lessons for children, adults or to improve your own confidence, learning these essential skills can help you enjoy the water safely.

Practice Safe Entries and Exits

Knowing how to get into and out of the water safely is an important part of water safety that is sometimes overlooked.

A useful sequence to practise is:

1. Jump into the water safely
2. Go underwater
3. Regain control and take a breath
4. Turn towards the side
5. Swim back to the wall
6. Climb out safely

Practicing these skills helps prepare you for unexpected situations and builds confidence.

Conclusion

Water safety skills are valuable for everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability. Being prepared, knowing how to react and building confidence in the water can help keep you and those around you safer.

Remember, this guide is designed to support your understanding of water safety, but you should always follow official guidance from organisations such as the RNLI and Swim England.

If you’d like to practise your swimming and water safety skills, Brio Leisure is a great place to start. Book a swim session through the Brio app or our website and take the next step towards feeling more confident in the water.

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Stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly.