What should I know about water safety?

Living close to water can be a perk of your student accommodation. Who wouldn’t love a canalside view in Chester, or the opportunity to spend a sunny afternoon strolling the beach in Brighton?

Water Safety

Your essential student guide to water safety

However, being in close proximity to water can also bring with it health risks. Taking precautions, having a heightened awareness of your environment, and respecting water and the dangers it can pose will help you to stay safe while you’re living with us.

Did you know that 40% of people who accidentally drown had no intention of entering the water?

This recent 2022 stat from the Water Incident Database points to people slipping, tripping and falling into water rather than encountering trouble when swimming.

As well as drowning, other risks can include injury from falling and hypothermia due to cold water temperatures.

So, with this in mind, here are some essential tips to keep in mind next time you’re close to the water where you are...

There's safety in numbers

If you’re planning a swim or a picturesque walk alongside a riverbank, employ a buddy system with your uni friends or flatmates. If one of you does end up at risk in the water, there will be someone to help or call for assistance. This is especially important if you’re walking near a body of water in the evening or after a night out – which brings us to… 

Don’t mix alcohol with water

Spent the afternoon in a beer garden? An impromptu paddle or walk along the canal is best avoided. Consuming alcohol impairs reaction times, so if you’re near water it’s a good idea to avoid it completely to ensure you can react quickly and make clear-headed decisions if you have an accident near or in water. 

Take swimming lessons

There’s no shame in not knowing how to swim, but it can be a potentially life-saving skill – for yourself or for a friend in need. If you’re living near water while you’re studying at university, then it’s even more important to develop your confidence in the water. Your university may even have a pool you can access, as well as swimming lessons!

Get educated

Beyond learning to swim, resources online (and potentially in your uni city) are available for you to learn more and be equipped for the worst. Look out for water safety workshops, research water safety groups and charities, and absorb all the info you can from local public safety services. 

Check the weather forecast

Inclement weather can lead to choppy water, creating hazardous conditions that are unsafe for activities; it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re out and about walking, as a strong wind could be the difference between you remaining safe on land or struggling in the water. Similarly, if it’s a sunny day, the temptation to dive in may be greater – but just because the water looks calm doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Be respectful of currents, as they’re not restricted to deep sea water. 

Don’t stray from safe areas

Enjoying a beach day with your new uni mates? Bliss! But remember, if you’re entering the water, only swim in areas that are deemed ‘safe’ by local authorities. A lifeguard on duty? Even better. Avoid at all costs restricted areas: it’s restricted for a reason and the water is likely to be unsafe. 

Be prepared

Waking up and not expecting to be in a potentially life-threatening situation that day is a privileged position. It’s why being as prepared as you can for an emergency is so important. If you live by water, the risk is automatically heightened – so familiarise yourself with CPR, learn some basic rescue techniques and (important!) keep your phone charged.

Living near the water is good for the soul in so many ways, so it’s not something to fear – but equally, we want you to be equipped to avoid and, if necessary, get yourself out of trouble in the water.

Our resident wellbeing is our number one priority here at Student Roost. 208 people in the UK sadly took their own life in water in 2023 (Water Incident Database); if you need somebody to talk to, head over to our Wellbeing hub for signposting, wellbeing advice and information.

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