Last updated: 24/05/2024, 9:04 AM

Firefighters urge people to take extra care around water during Christmas party season

15/12/2023 12:17
London-wide
Safety warnings

London Fire Brigade is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society’s call for people to act smartly around water as they travel home from parties during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Figures from the charity show that, on average, 73 people across the UK lose their lives each year through substance-related drowning. That’s 29% of all annual accidental drowning fatalities in the UK.

The risk people face

Young men are particularly at risk, making up over 85% of alcohol and/or drug-related drownings in the UK. During the festive season, there is an increased chance of people travelling whilst intoxicated.

London’s network of rivers, canals and waterways pose an increased risk to people in winter. The surrounding ground and paths can often be wet, icy, or uneven, creating more hazards that may cause people to fall in. If someone is intoxicated, they may not be able to escape the water on their own. If nobody is around to help, the consequences can be fatal.

Across London, firefighters are working with our partners to keep people safe around water. On the Thames, the Brigade’s fire boats work closely with HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute to carry out rescue operations up and down the length of the river in London. In addition, firefighters across the capital are trained to carry out rescues on London’s many rivers, canals, lakes and ponds. This includes using the Brigade’s Fire Rescue Units to carry out specialist water rescue operations across London’s waterways.

Improving water safety

Earlier this year the Brigade wrote to all local authorities in London, encouraging them to act and carry out risk assessments to ensure waterways in their boroughs have appropriate water safety measures in place. In south west London, the Brigade has worked closely with the RNLI and Richmond upon Thames Borough Council to install lifesaving equipment along a stretch of the Thames in the borough.

Emma Fraser, Policy and Strategy Group Team Leader (Water and Road Safety) said: “Alcohol and drugs can severely limit your ability to respond in an emergency. This includes being able to rescue yourself from the water if you fall in.”

“This festive period, we’re asking people to take the safer route home. Avoiding taking a route along the water is the easiest way to stay safe. If you do have to walk home by a river or canal, never do it alone. Keep an eye out for each other.

“Our firefighters are ready to respond in an emergency when required, but it’s important people don’t put themselves in danger. If you see someone having trouble, call for help. Never try and rescue them yourself.”

Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Fiona Twycross, said: “London is thriving this festive season with visitors from around the country and the world coming to enjoy the best our city has to offer.

“With more people out and about in the build-up to Christmas, it’s important that we look out for each other and ensure everyone gets home safely. This is particularly true around London’s many rivers and canals, which can be extremely dangerous in wintertime.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the best the capital has to offer safely and follow the advice from London Fire Brigade and partners and stay safe around water.”

What do to if someone falls in

If you see someone in trouble in the water:

  • Call 999 and ask for the fire service and ambulance. When you have made this call, shout for help from anyone who might be close by.
  • Never enter the water to try and save someone. This can add to the problem, even if you are a strong swimmer. We need you to be able to tell emergency services exactly where to look for the person in the water to help rescue them quicker.
  • If there's no lifesaving equipment nearby, look around for something to reach out to them such as a scarf or a long branch. Lie on the ground so your body is safely on the edge to avoid being pulled in.


If you fall in the water, float to live:

  • Relax and float on your back to catch your breath.
  • Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute – don’t try to swim straight away.
  • Try to get hold of something that will help you float.
  • Keep calm then call for help or swim to safety if you are able.

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