Stay safe this summer

We all love spending time outdoors - barbeques, relaxing in the sun, getting out and about, and enjoying a drink with friends. Here are our top tips to help you stay safe this summer.

Tip 1. Have a designated driver

One drink does matter. Even if you are below the legal limit, a small amount of alcohol will seriously alter your ability to drive. Alcohol may slow your reaction times and impair how you judge risk, speed, and distance.

The only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive. Before you drink any alcohol - book a taxi or designate a driver.

Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Drinking coffee, having a shower, or sleeping does not work. Our leaflet - Should I drive the morning after? (5.3 MB) - helps you plan when you'll be safe to drive.

Tip 2. Stay safe in the water

• stay out of open water. The safest place to swim is in a supervised swimming pool. The water is clean, clear and warm, and lifeguards are on hand if something goes wrong 
• avoid being near water if you have been drinking alcohol
• warn your children of the risks and know where they are when they are out playing

The dangers of cold open water

Don’t dive or jump straight into open water. Cold-water shock is a physical response by your body when entering cold water. It can affect your breathing, reduce your muscle ability and even lead to a heart attack.

Shallow water can feel warm but gets dangerously cold as it gets deeper.

Half of all people who drown never intended to enter the water

Take a look at our video to find out how to keep yourself safe.

If you get into difficulties in water

If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic. Extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass.

If you see someone else in difficulties in water

1. Look out for a floatation device. If there isn’t one, a ball can also give them support
2. Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service, or the coastguards if you’re by the sea.
3. Use your phone or map to give your location. Use signs nearby or apps like What Three Words.

Videos about water safety

• What to do if you fall in
• What to do if someone else falls in

Tip 3. Make sure you’re using fire responsibly

Every year, wildfires destroy thousands of acres of countryside and wildlife habitats. Fires spread quickly among dry and easy-to-burn plants, such as gorse and heather.

Although some people do start fires deliberately, most are caused by carelessness. Such as:

• a cigarette end thrown from a car
• a barbeque left unattended
• a glass bottle left behind after a picnic

BBQ safety

When using a barbeque, ensure it's in good working order and follow the instructions. 

Gas barbeque: Turn off the cylinder before you turn off the controls so that any residual gas in the pipes will be used up.

Disposable barbeque: Ensure it has cooled for several hours before you put it in the bin. Consider pouring water over it to make sure it's completely out.

Never leave a lit barbeque unattended. 

Bonfire safety

Tidying up your garden? If you plan on burning what you don't need, make sure it is at least 18 metres away from houses, trees, hedges, fences and sheds. Don't build your bonfire more than three metres in height. Keep buckets of water or a working hosepipe nearby.

Burn clean, dry timber. Green waste, such as conifer branches and leaves, produces harmful smoke.

Once your fire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it from reigniting.

What to do in an emergency

1. Leave the area as quickly as possible.
2. Do not attempt to tackle a fire that can’t be put out with a bucket of water.
3. Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
4. Use your phone or map to give your location. Use signs nearby or apps like What Three Words.