With warm weather predicted ahead of the May bank holiday weekend and many Londoners expected to gather near the city’s waterways, London Fire Brigade is urging extra caution after recent figures reveal a troubling rise in water-related incidents. The warning coincides with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Be Water Aware campaign, which is running this week, aiming to raise awareness about the risk of accidental drowning.
Last year, crews responded to 565 water-related incidents, and in just the first quarter of 2025, they attended around 160, averaging more than 13 per week. These incidents range from rescuing people trapped in mud and those who have fallen into canals and rivers, to animals stranded on lakes and ponds.
So far this year, the Brigade’s fireboats, specially designed to rescue people and animals from the water or riverside, have been deployed to more than 70 incidents.
The number of incidents has increased compared to the same period in 2024, with March alone seeing more than a 32 per cent rise. With the bank holiday weekend approaching, concerns are growing that this trend could continue.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Craig Carter, said: “Whether you're walking by the river, spending time by canals, or taking part in water-based activities, it's important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London’s waterways.
“Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. It can lead to water inhalation, and, in the worst cases, drowning.
“Be particularly careful near the water’s edge, it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water. While designated swimming locations have lifeguards and safety measures in place, open water environments pose unpredictable risks.
“If you do find yourself struggling, follow the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands and feet to help you stay afloat.
“If you see someone in trouble in the water, never jump in after them. Instead, call 999, tell the person in the water to float on their back and throw them something that floats."
Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service, Jules Pipe, said: “London’s rivers, lakes and waterways can look very appealing when the temperatures rise, however, there can also be hidden dangers. The Mayor is working to improve the capital’s waterways for everyone to enjoy, and has been clear that it’s vital that people only do so where it is safe and supervised.
“I urge everyone to heed London Fire Brigade’s advice to stay safe in and around our waterways.”
The Brigade has been working closely with partners to ensure water safety measures are in place near London’s waterways and are reminding the public that throwlines are readily available at numerous locations, providing easy access to lifesaving equipment and enabling quicker rescues.
To access the lines, the user calls 999 and quotes the What3Words code so Control Officers can pinpoint their exact location. Control will supply the unique lock code so the user can access the throwline, and a Control Officer will talk them through what they should do, while also deploying water rescue resources from the Brigade to assist.
For more information and advice about water safety, visit London Fire Brigade’s website.