Water Safety Advice For You Water Safety for Runners and Walkers In the last 5 years, 35% of people who drowned in the UK were running or walking at the time.* Be sure that you know how to stay safe around water and know what to do in an emergency. *Source: WAID 2020-2024. Data from 2020-2023 was enhanced in 2024 and may differ from earlier releases. Top water safety tips for running or walking near open water Stop and Think When running or walking next to open water, stay well clear of bank edges. They are often unstable, and this can create slips, trips and falls. If you are running or walking early in the morning or late at night make sure you stay in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Stay Together Try always to walk or run with a friend. In an emergency Call 999 Take a fully charged mobile phone, ideally in a waterproof holder. If you see somebody in trouble in the water, don't enter the water to rescue - call 999. Ask for the Coastguard if at the coast. Float If you fall into the water, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If you see someone in trouble in the water, don't enter the water to rescue – throw something in that floats to help them. Ideally, take a throw line with you and practice how to use it. Consider learning basic lifesaving skills, such as CPR. Tides Every year, people are caught out by rapidly rising water and end up trapped in isolated bays. If you are planning to visit a beach or bank affected by the tide, make sure you know the tide times to avoid becoming cut off. Manage Cookie Preferences