As families spend more time around water during the warmer months, knowing how to stay safe in and around water has never been more important. Whether it’s at a swimming pool, the sea, a canal or river, water can be enjoyable and enriching, but it also carries risks that everyone should understand.

An average of 328 people lose their lives to accidental drowning in the UK each year. Many of these tragedies are preventable, which is why helping people build confidence in the water and understand basic water safety is so important.

Helping residents stay safe around water

At Be Well, we’re committed to helping more residents develop swimming skills and water confidence.

Since bringing leisure services in-house, Tower Hamlets Council has expanded access to affordable and free swimming opportunities, helping thousands of residents spend more time in the water safely. The council is also continuing to invest in swimming across the borough, including plans for two additional pools, inducing a new lido in Victoria Park.

Swimming lessons that build confidence

Learning to swim is one of the best ways to stay safe around water.

Through Be Well Swim Well, children can access affordable weekly swimming lessons that develop confidence and swimming ability while teaching vital water safety and self-rescue skills.

For some children and adults, entering the water can feel daunting. Swimming lessons provide a supportive environment to build confidence gradually, helping participants gain a life skill that can support their health, wellbeing and safety for years to come.

Alongside lessons, Be Well supports national campaigns such as Drowning Prevention Week and works with local schools to promote water safety through educational activities, outreach sessions and assemblies.

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Open water is different

While swimming pools provide a controlled environment with trained lifeguards, open water can present hidden dangers, even for experienced swimmers.

Tower Hamlets Council continues to work with partners to remind residents not to swim in unsupervised or prohibited locations, including areas such as Shadwell Basin and Millwall Dock. Strong currents, submerged structures, sudden changes in depth and cold-water shock can quickly put even strong swimmers in danger.

The Water Safety Code
Whenever you are around water
  • Stop and think: Assess your surroundings. Identify potential dangers and follow local safety signs and advice.
  • Stay together: Always go with friends or family when near water. Swim only at lifeguarded locations.
And in an emergency
  • Call 999: If you’re at the coast, request the Coastguard. Never enter the water to perform a rescue.
  • Float: If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If someone else is in trouble, throw something that floats to them.

Learn more about the water safety code.

Find out more

To learn more about water safety, visit the Royal Life Saving Society UK website at www.rlss.org.uk and explore their water safety resources and guidance.

To find out about Be Well swimming lessons and free swimming sessions, visit the Be Well website or speak to staff at your nearest leisure centre.