As part of Drowning Prevention Week and as the weather begins to warm up again, London Fire Brigade is asking for support from teachers, parents and guardians to ensure children are aware of the dangers of open water.
The call for action follows the concerning number of accidental drownings, many involving children, that occurred across the UK during the recent heatwave. While thankfully none occurred in London, in April the tragic deaths of a mother and son in the River Brent brought the number of accidental drownings in London, attended by LFB, to 112 people since 2020.
To support parents and guardians with speaking to children about the dangers of open water, the Brigade has launched an interactive water safety map showing the locations where firefighters have attended water-related incidents. The Brigade hopes that Londoners, particularly parents and guardians, use the map to identify high risk locations along waterways and talk to their children about the risks of swimming in these areas.
The map shows over 1,500 water-related incidents which were attended by the Brigade since 2020 and has several interactive features, including the ability to:
- Search for specific waterways, parks and other locations to see incidents in that area by year and incident type
- Filter by year to see how risk has changed over time
- Filter by hazard to see specific dangers at certain locations
The Brigade is urging Londoners to also pay attention to information displayed at waterways about designated swimming areas, water quality and other aspects of safety, and to familiarise themselves with water safety advice on the Brigade’s website.
In addition to the interactive water safety map, last month, the Brigade wrote to schools across London to ask them to share water safety advice with parents. Following a number of accidental drownings across the UK during the most recent heatwave, London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service Jules Pipe and Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive, Port of London wrote to every headteacher and principal in London, again asking for their support in sharing key safety messages in school newsletters.
The Brigade is also continuing to deliver water safety workshops to year 2 and year 5 classes in primary schools across London through its Education Team.
From September 2026, water safety education will enter the curriculum for secondary schools in England, sitting within Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). The Brigade welcomes this important step in embedding water safety in schools and continuing its inclusion beyond primary school.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pamela Oparaocha said: “With warmer weather on its way and a concerning number of accidental drownings involving children already in 2026, we’re asking parents, guardians and teachers for their support in ensuring the everyone stays safe around London’s many waterways.
“Our interactive water safety map is one way in which you can help children understand the risks around water and identify high-risk locations before they head out to enjoy the summer.
“We know that the warmer weather can tempt children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth - all of which could prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.
“Never assume that someone else is watching your child for you unless they have clearly agreed to do so and always keep your child within reaching distance around water.
“We’re asking parents, guardians and teachers to talk to children about staying safe, ensuring they know how to float on their back, and reassure them that they should call 999 if a friend goes into the water, even if they are scared to get into trouble.”
London Fire Brigade’s water safety advice for children and parents:
- Dress your children in something bright or recognisable – it’s easier to keep an eye on them.
- Only use inflatables in the pool – not at the beach or on open water where they can easily drift far away.
- Empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used and turn them upside down.
- Prevent access to pools or garden ponds by ensuring they have self-closing gates, secure fences, grilles and locks.
What to do if you find yourself in trouble in water
- Rather than struggling, 'float to live'.
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged and gently move your hands to help you stay afloat.
- Spread your arms and legs out – it's OK if your legs sink.
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe CBE, said: “With temperatures set to rise, London’s rivers, lakes and ponds can look like a tempting option for many to cool off. But as we have tragically seen over the years, waterways and open water come with dangerous and in many cases hidden risks for all ages, but particularly young people.
“That’s why I am calling on parents, guardians, and teachers to ensure they speak to children about water safety. To help with this, the London Fire Brigade have launched an interactive water safety map, which shows the locations where firefighters have previously attended water-related incidents. By using this map, you can keep your children away from water haza