London Fire Brigade has urged parents, guardians and teachers to speak to children about the dangers of open water as Drowning Prevention Week begins and warmer weather returns across the capital.
The Brigade said its appeal follows a concerning number of accidental drownings across the UK during the recent heatwave, many of which involved children.
Although London did not record such incidents during that period, the deaths of a mother and son in the River Brent in April brought the number of accidental drownings attended by London Fire Brigade in the capital to 112 since 2020.
To support safety conversations at home and in schools, London Fire Brigade has launched an interactive water safety map showing where firefighters have attended water-related incidents.
The map includes more than 1,500 water-related incidents attended by the Brigade since 2020. Users can search for specific waterways, parks and other locations, filter incidents by year, and view hazards recorded at particular locations.
London Fire Brigade said it hopes the tool will help Londoners identify higher-risk areas and discuss the dangers of swimming in rivers, reservoirs, lakes and other open water.
The Brigade is also encouraging people to follow safety information displayed at waterways, including guidance on designated swimming areas, water quality and local risks.
As part of its prevention work, London Fire Brigade has written to schools across the capital asking them to share water safety messages with parents and carers.
Water safety education to be expanded in schools
The latest letter followed several accidental drownings across the UK during the recent heatwave and was signed by London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith, Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service Jules Pipe and Port of London Authority Chief Executive Robin Mortimer.
The Brigade is continuing to deliver water safety workshops to Year 2 and Year 5 pupils in primary schools across London through its Education Team.
From September 2026, water safety education will also be added to the secondary school curriculum in England as part of Relationships, Sex and Health Education. London Fire Brigade said it welcomed the move as an important step in embedding water safety education beyond primary school.
Hidden risks around open water
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pamela Oparaocha said warmer weather can make London’s waterways appear inviting, but warned that children and young people must understand the risks before heading out over the summer.
Oparaocha said: “With warmer weather on its way and a concerning number of accidental drownings involving children already in 2026, we’re asking parents, guardians and teachers for their support in ensuring that everyone stays safe around London’s many waterways.
“Our interactive water safety map is one way in which you can help children understand the risks around water and identify high-risk locations before they head out to enjoy the summer.
“We know that warmer weather can tempt children and young people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Many Londoners, including parents, are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges and sudden drops in depth — all of which could prove fatal.”
London Fire Brigade water safety advice
- Dress your children in something bright or recognisable – it’s easier to keep an eye on them.
- Only use inflatables in the pool – not at the beach or on open water where they can easily drift far away.
- Empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used and turn them upside down.
- Prevent access to pools or garden ponds by ensuring they have self-closing gates, secure fences, grilles and locks.
London Fire Brigade has issued the following advice for families around water:
- Rather than struggling, ‘float to live’.
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged and gently move your hands to help you stay afloat.
- Spread your arms and legs out – it’s OK if your legs sink.
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
What to do if you get into trouble in water:
Deputy Mayor for the Fire Service Jules Pipe CBE said: “With temperatures set to rise, London’s rivers, lakes and ponds can look like a tempting option for many to cool off. But as we have tragically seen over the years, waterways and open water come with dangerous and in many cases hidden risks for all ages, but particularly young people.
“That’s why I am calling on parents, guardians and teachers to ensure they speak to children about water safety. To help with this, the London Fire Brigade have launched an interactive water safety map, which shows the locations where firefighters have previously attended water-related incidents. By using this map, you can keep your children away from water hazards.”