NI Water is marking World Drowning Prevention Day with a fresh appeal to the public to stay out of reservoirs and be aware of the hidden dangers that can turn a summer visit into a life-threatening emergency. Held annually on 25 July, the day highlights the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities and promotes simple, life-saving actions. With the school summer holidays underway and more people enjoying outdoor spaces, the utility is reminding visitors that its reservoirs are working sites and are not safe for swimming, paddling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, or inflatables.
Hidden hazards beneath the surface
Reservoirs may look calm on the surface, but they carry hidden dangers that are not immediately obvious to the casual observer. The water often holds cold water shock, extreme depths, and steep banks that can make getting out difficult. Submerged inlet pipes can withdraw large volumes of water and create powerful underwater currents. These hazards, combined with the complete absence of lifeguards, make the reservoirs high-risk environments.
NI Water Facilities Senior Manager Patricia McKee emphasized the need for caution.
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“Reservoirs may look calm, but they carry hidden dangers including cold water shock, deep water, steep banks, submerged inlet pipes that can withdraw large volumes of water and create powerful underwater currents and unseen hazards,” McKee said. “With no lifeguards on duty, the safest choice is to stay out and keep back from the edge.”
On World Drowning Prevention Day, the organization is urging families to talk about water safety: respect signs, supervise children, keep dogs on leads, and never enter NI Water reservoirs. If someone is in difficulty, officials advise calling 999 or 101 rather than attempting a rescue personally.
Guidelines for safer outdoor visits
NI Water is encouraging everyone visiting reservoirs and surrounding walking routes to enjoy these places responsibly by following a few simple steps. Do not swim, paddle, dive, or take part in any water-based activity at the reservoirs. Visitors should stay back from the water’s edge and obey all safety signage. Supervising children closely and speaking to young people about open water risks is also essential. Finally, keeping dogs on leads near water helps prevent them, or their owners, from getting into difficulty.
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While the focus is on NI Water reservoirs, the National Water Safety Forum and the RNLI note that other bodies of water present similar risks. Rivers, lakes, canals, quarries, and coastal areas often contain hidden dangers such as strong currents, sudden drops, unstable banks, and cold water that can quickly lead to shock. It is important to stay aware of surroundings and avoid entering the water unless it is clearly designated as safe.
If a person gets into difficulty, the advice is to Float to Live. This involves leaning back, using the arms and legs to stay afloat, and controlling the breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety if possible. In an emergency, call 999 or 101 and ask for the fire service if inland, or the coastguard if at the coast.
