Nottinghamshire fire service issues water safety warning as heatwave continues

Around 500 people attended the family fun day earlier this spring, where they watched live rescue demonstrations, took part in hands-on safety activities, and learned vital water safety advice from NFRS and partner organisations including Nottingham City Council, RNLI, Open Water Education Network (OWEN) and Carlton Life Saving Club.

The event was held at Colwick Country Park, a known water hotspot where children and young people often spend time near the water, and aimed to equip local communities with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe.

With temperatures rising and more families expected to visit outdoor spaces over the school holidays, the Service is reinforcing its key safety messages.

Figures show water incidents remain a concern both locally and nationally. Between 2021 and 2025, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 79 water-related incidents involving people, with crews carrying out an additional 51 rescues during the same period.

Tom Archer, Head of Prevention and Protection at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Following the success of our Colwick Park event, we’re reminding people to put water safety into practice as we head into a period of warmer weather and school holidays.

“Preventing incidents like those we have seen in recent years is extremely important to us. Events like this allow us to educate our communities on how to enjoy time in and around water safely – but it’s vital that message continues beyond the day itself.

“Our local picture reflects a wider national issue, with hundreds of people losing their lives in water each year. Many of these incidents happen in inland waterways such as rivers and lakes – places that can appear safe, but carry serious hidden risks.”

A popular feature of the Colwick event was throwline training, where both children and adults practised rescuing a person from the water using simple equipment. The activity reinforced the message that the safest way to help is from the bank.

Councillor Matt Shannon, Executive Member for Community Protection, Neighbourhoods and Equalities, said: “We’re really proud to have supported this important water safety event at Colwick Country Park, bringing together partners to engage with families in a meaningful and practical way.

“As we head into the warmer weather and welcome more visitors to our parks, it’s crucial that we continue raising awareness of open water risks and help people stay safe while enjoying these spaces.”

As more people head outdoors this week, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and partners are reminding the public to:

Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs

Remember water remains dangerously cold, even in warm weather

Never enter the water to try and rescue someone

Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if someone is in trouble