Families across Lincolnshire are being urged to take extra care around water this summer as emergency services and safety experts back Drowning Prevention Week.

The annual campaign, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, runs from June 13 to 20 and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of open water following a number of tragic incidents across the country, including a recent drowning in Lincoln.

With warmer weather encouraging more people to visit beaches, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, experts are warning that many hidden dangers remain beneath the surface.

Cold water shock remains one of the biggest risks, with water temperatures of 15C or below capable of causing involuntary gasping, panic and a sudden loss of swimming ability – even among strong swimmers.

The annual campaign, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK aims to raise awareness of the dangers of open water.

placeholder image — The annual campaign, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK aims to raise awareness of the dangers of open water.

The campaign is encouraging parents, carers and educators to talk to children and young people about water safety before the summer holidays begin.

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: "We urge everyone to use RLSS UK's free, accessible water safety resources to educate children and teens with critical information this June, to make sure everyone has a safe summer.

"Whilst a foundation of water safety will be included in England's school curriculum from September, this vital information needs to be taught now, ahead of the summer period, to prevent tragedies."

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is also supporting the campaign and has issued a stark warning following a number of incidents this year.

David Lynch, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection, said knowing how to swim does not necessarily make someone safe in open water.

"Knowing how to swim is a great skill, but it's not enough by itself to be safe in open water," he said.

"Submerged hazards, cold temperatures, currents and other dangers are all hidden, which is why you should only enter water where there are lifeguards or experts at hand who know the dangers of the area and are trained in water rescue.

"We've had several heartbreaking reminders around these dangers in open water this summer. We need everyone to share these water safety messages and act as positive role models to help us prevent further accidents."

Safety experts are reminding people never to enter the water to try to rescue somebody else unless they have been trained to do so.

Instead, they are urging members of the public to encourage anyone in difficulty to float, throw them something that floats and call 999 immediately.

The campaign is also highlighting the simple but potentially life-saving "Float to Live" advice.

Anyone who unexpectedly finds themselves struggling in water should lean back, keep their ears submerged, relax, control their breathing and gently move their hands and legs to stay afloat until help arrives.

With thousands of people expected to head to Lincolnshire's coastline and beauty spots during the coming weeks, emergency services hope the campaign's message will help prevent further tragedies.

Free water safety resources for parents, carers, schools and community groups are available through the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week campaign.