The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning to residents to exercise heightened caution around water this summer following a series of accidental drownings across the United Kingdom.
Three recent heatwaves have resulted in more than a dozen drownings nationwide, including several teenage fatalities, while the capital alone has recorded over 100 accidental drowning deaths since 2020.
With schools on holiday and temperatures remaining high, the brigade anticipates an increase in the number of people seeking out open water locations.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field visited Kingston’s newly designated bathing water site, the first of its kind in London, alongside crews from the local fire station and the RNLI.
Field observed that the site, which opened in May and features water depths of at least 1.5 metres, is unsupervised by lifeguards, raising the risk of incidents going unnoticed for longer periods.
He urged parents, guardians and anyone responsible for children to discuss the dangers of entering water, especially for vulnerable groups such as young people, intoxicated individuals and weaker swimmers.
The brigade advises that children should never be left out of sight near water and recommends choosing locations where lifeguards are present.
Field also highlighted the hazards of “tombstoning,” where individuals jump from bridges or cliffs, noting that water depth can be unpredictable and hidden debris may cause injury or fatality.
Cold‑water shock remains a hidden threat; even on hot days, deeper water can be significantly colder, leading to breathlessness, panic and loss of muscle control.
Recent years have seen a noticeable rise in water‑related incidents, a trend Field attributes to growing interest in water sports such as stand‑up paddling combined with hotter summer conditions.
The London Fire Brigade maintains specialist rescue units equipped for water emergencies, including a larger rescue boat stationed at Lambeth, and collaborates with the RNLI and the London Ambulance Service to promote safety.
At the Kingston site, firefighters demonstrated the use of throw lines installed along the River Thames, which can be accessed by dialing 999 and obtaining a three‑digit code to unlock the equipment.
