Temperatures rising: have the conversation about staying safe outdoors

We’re halfway through the summer holidays, and with temperatures expected to reach 30°C this week, children and young people are likely to be spending more time outdoors.

Whether they’re heading out with friends, visiting the countryside or spending time with family, please take a few minutes to talk to them about staying safe outdoors.

Stay safe around water

Rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs and quarries can look inviting on a hot day, but open water can be much colder than it appears.

Cold water shock can affect anyone, even strong swimmers. It can affect breathing, movement and the ability to stay afloat.

Talk to children and young people about choosing supervised places to swim, such as swimming pools, rather than entering open water.

It’s also important they know what to do if they unexpectedly enter the water. Remember Float to Live:

Help prevent wildfires

Continued dry conditions mean vegetation can catch fire easily, and one spark is all it takes.

Most wildfires are caused by human activity. Disposable barbecues, cigarettes, litter and other sources of heat or sparks can quickly ignite dry vegetation and allow a fire to spread.

If you’re heading outdoors:

If you see a fire outdoors, move to a safe place and call 999. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by trying to tackle it.

Have the conversation

There are still several weeks of the summer holidays to enjoy. A few minutes talking about the risks before children head out could help them make safer choices and know what to do if something goes wrong.

Please share this advice with friends and family and help us keep children, young people and our communities safe this summer.

For more summer safety advice, visit: www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/summer