Water safety
The lakes, tarns, rivers and coastline of the National Park offer exciting opportunities for enjoying yourself. But waters are often deep and cold all year round, weather can worsen rapidly and wind and river currents may catch out the unaware. Make sure you play safe by following these safety tips:
By the waterside
- Riverbanks and lakeshores can be slippery, unstable and undercut
- Beware steeply shelving shores or holes
- Watch out for broken glass and sharp objects
- Rocks can be very slippery
- Sand and mud can be dangerously soft and there is the risk of quicksand in some areas
- Tides ebb and flow quickly - sandbanks and headlands can be cut off
Anglers
- Lone anglers should leave clear details of destination and estimated time of return
- Beware of rising rivers and water after rain
- Beware of the dangers of discarded hooks or line to people and wildlife
In the water
Paddlers and swimmers
- Beware of windchill - the combined effect of wind speed and air temperature
- Waves, natural wash and wash from boats can arrive without warning
- Keep watch - be your own lifeguard! Few inland waters are patrolled
- Supervise children closely at all times
- Do not swim alone
- Swim parallel to the shore, not out of sight or to the far distance
- Inflatables should be securely tethered and used only in shallow water as they can quickly capsize, deflate or be blown into deep water
- Many drownings occur in shallow water. Check out our Swimming page and be safe!
Sub-aqua divers
- Do not dive alone
- Check you have legal access to the dive site and water
- Some tarns or caverns in caves or quarries are above sea level. This may affect dive times
- Surface marker buoys and diving flags are essential on most lakes
- Be aware of other lake users, powered craft and passenger vessels
- Sub-aqua or snorkel dives on Windermere must be logged
Boat safety
Before leaving
- check the weather forecast by calling 0844 846 2444 or check out the Weatherline website (opens in new window).
- leave clear details of your intended route and estimated time of return
Can you
- right your dinghy or canoe after capsizing?
- carry out a man overboard drill?
Checklist
- check for sufficient buoyancy
- do not overload boat passengers and crew should be comfortable and secure
- Be aware of boat wash, shallow water and obstructions
- Keep a sharp lookout for swimmers, sub-aqua divers, anglers and small boats
- don't assume other boat users know the rules
Boat equipment
- take spare clothing and a warm drink
- carry first aid kit
- carry a manual boiler
- carry simple repair kit, tools and spares
- carry alternative propulsion and a paddle
- powered craft should carry anchor, chain, warps, spare fuel, fire extinguisher and means of towing
Good seamanship
- Know how to deal with any emergency
- Act with consideration to other boat users and the environment
Personal buoyancy
You should always wear a suitable life jacket and buoyancy aid on or near the water. Personal buoyancy manufactured after 1992 carries the CE mark. Seek advice from a good retailer on current standards.
In an emergency
- Stay calm, summon help and effect a simple rescue if necessary
- Blow a whistle or shine a torch six times in rapid succession every minute to summon help. The answer is three times in rapid succession. Shouting may also attract attention.
- Dial 999 for the Coastguard. Give details of what has happened, including an accurate location with grid reference if possible. Remain at the telephone unless asked to do otherwise. The police will call out the appropriate rescue services.
Useful links
- Safe Watersports (opens in new window)
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
