Hottest day of the year on school holiday break-up could be recipe for disaster, warns fire and rescue prevention lead

Schools are set to be out for summer on the hottest day of the year tomorrow (Friday 19 July), and we’re calling on all parents and guardians to make sure it’s not a recipe for disaster.

Temperatures are expected to reach high 20s, and we know that children up and down Staffordshire are going to be excitable after breaking up for the long-awaited six weeks holiday.

This, paired with the temptation to go into open water with friends on the way back from school, can result in fatal consequences, warns prevent and protect lead Ian Read.

He said: “We don’t want to spoil anyone’s summer before it’s even started, but we’re urging parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers involved with open water swimming before accidents happen in the coming days.

“There’s plenty of beauty spots on route homes from school with lakes, rivers and canals. Jumping in to them often causes rapid shock because the water is much colder than people realise, resulting in difficulty breathing and an inability to call for help.

“Not to mention, water is often much shallower than expected and can result in serious impact injuries. Sharp objects can be on the bottom, as well as dangerous pollutants in dirty waters than can lead to illness.

“Having a conversation with a child about the dangers involved in open water swimming can go such a long way. We know they’ll probably be thinking far ahead about what they’re doing with their time off, but warning them of the dangers involved while temperatures are high could end up saving their life.”

If you do see someone or an animal in open water, we advise not going in to help them yourself.

Instead, call 999 as soon as possible and try to find something nearby to throw at them so they can use it to float.

If you fall into water by accident, follow the float to live advice:

• Fight your instinct to thrash around
• Lean back, extend your arms and legs
• If you need to, gently move them around to help you float
• Float until you can control your breathing

Only then, call for help, swim to safety or continue floating until help arrives.