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  • Speak up. Be a mate.

Speak up. Be a mate.

Before a mate jumps in, messes around with inflatables, or does something risky in open water… speak up.

Here’s the reality:

  • You can’t see what’s under the water. Rocks, drops, currents - it’s not worth guessing.
  • Cold water hits HARD. Even strong swimmers can panic and lose control.
  • Inflatables are not safe in open water. One gust of wind and you’re gone - fast.
  • Pressure isn't friendship. Real mates don’t push you into danger.

Your mate

If someone’s in trouble:

Phone. Float. Throw.

Call 999, tell them to float, throw something that floats like a football to help - don’t jump in.



One moment can change everything.

One dare.
One jump.
One “it’ll be fine.”
That’s all it takes.
Be the mate who speaks up.
You don’t have to go along with it.
You don’t have to stay quiet.
Say it straight: “Nah, not worth it.”
That’s what real mates do.



Stuff you’ve probably seen before…

Jumping into the sea or coastal waters. Speak Up. Be a Mate.

It starts as a joke.

A dare.

A “go on…”

Then suddenly, it’s serious.

“Everyone’s laughing… until they’re not.”

Mates speak up when someone's dared to jump into water they can't see the bottom of.

Speak up. Be a Mate

Cycling by the river or canal. Speak up. Be a Mate

 

If it feels off - it is.”

That gut feeling? Trust it.

You don’t need to join in.

You don’t need to hype it.

Say something. Stop it.

Mates speak up when someone's messing about on a riverbank. 

Speak up. Be a Mate

Walking by the canal. Speak up. Be a Mate

“Just jump!”

But you don’t know what’s under there.

One bad landing = serious injury.

Real mates: “Nah, leave it.”

Mates speak up when someone's about to jump into dark water.

Speak up. Be a Mate

Messing around with inflatables. Speak up. Be a mate.

Funny for a second.

Then the wind hits.

Now you’re drifting.

Fast.

No one’s laughing anymore.

Mates speak up when someone's messing about with inflatables in open water.

Speak up. Be a Mate

Jumping into unknown water. Speak up. Be a mate.

Looks calm. Looks easy.

It’s not.

Cold shock hits.

Your breath disappears.

One jump can mess you up for life.

Mates speak up when someone's about to jump into water from a bridge, jetty or harbour.

Speak up. Be a Mate


Rivers that “look calm”

They’re not.

Cold. Currents. Panic.

Swimming skills don’t always save you.

Say something before it goes wrong.

Mates speak up when someone's tempted to swim in rivers or lakes where it's not safe.

Speak up. Be a Mate



Speak up = real strength.

Everyone else might be shouting “DO IT.”

You don’t have to.

Being a mate isn’t joining in - it’s stepping in.

If it feels dodgy - say it.
If it’s risky - stop it.
If something’s wrong - speak up.



Be that mate

Don’t hype it.
Stop it.

Speak up. Be a Mate

#SpeakUp #BeAMate



Being able to swim is not enough:

Know the risks around open water

Cold water shock - it can affect anyone!




Speak up. Be a Mate. Social Media Assets

Speak up. Be a Mate on your socials!

We need your help to reach more teenagers and young adults. Please share these social media posts and our 'Speak up. Be a Mate webpage' on your socials to help keep your friends safe around water.

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If it feels off, say it...

Published: 14th May, 2026

Updated: 29th May, 2026

Author: Samantha Young

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