Staying Safe Around Water – Essential First Aid for Swimmers, Lifeguards & Parents

Whether you're at a local pool, a holiday resort, or a wild swimming spot in the countryside, water-based activities are one of the great pleasures of summer. But as refreshing and fun as they are, they also come with serious risks.

At Essex First Aid & Wellbeing, our founder Wes has spent over a decade supporting open water swimmers and lifeguards — so we know first-hand how crucial First Aid skills are in and around water. In this blog, we’ll share key First Aid knowledge for swimmers, lifeguards, parents, and anyone spending time near water this summer.

The Risks of Water-Based Activities

Swimming-related incidents can happen in a split second, including:

• Drowning or near-drowning

• Cold water shock

• Cramps and exhaustion

• Slips, trips and falls

• Spinal injuries from diving

• Cuts from rocks or broken glass

• Seizures or medical emergencies in water

Knowing how to prevent, recognise, and respond to these situations could be life-saving.

1. Drowning and Near-Drowning – Immediate Action Required

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide. In the UK, it claims around 400 lives a year.

Signs someone is drowning:

• Struggling to keep their mouth above water

• Silent panic – no shouting or splashing

• Head tilted back, arms pressing downwards

• Appearing to be climbing an invisible ladder

First Aid Steps (once rescued):

1. Check for breathing. If unresponsive and not breathing, call 999 and begin CPR immediately.

2. If breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position.

3. Keep them warm with dry towels or blankets.

4. Monitor for secondary drowning, where water inhaled into the lungs causes breathing problems hours later.

 2. Cold Water Shock

Even in summer, UK rivers, lakes, and the sea remain cold. Entering water below 15°C can cause cold water shock — a sudden involuntary gasp and rapid breathing.

What to do:

• Encourage people to enter slowly and acclimatise.

• If cold water shock occurs, help the person float on their back until breathing stabilises.

• Once out of the water, remove wet clothing, cover with warm dry layers, and offer warm drinks.

Seek medical help if they remain shivery, confused, or weak.

3. Seizures in the Water

People with epilepsy or other medical conditions may experience a seizure while swimming.

First Aid:

• Support them from behind, keeping their head above water.

• Guide them to the poolside or shore.

• Once safe, place in recovery position and monitor breathing.

• Call 999 if it’s their first seizure, lasts longer than 5 minutes, or causes injury.

Never try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

4. Diving Accidents and Spinal Injuries

Diving into shallow water or unknown depths can result in serious spinal injuries.

First Aid:

• Do not move the person unless in danger (e.g. risk of further drowning).

• Support their head and neck in the position found.

• Call 999 and keep them calm and still.

• If breathing stops, carefully begin CPR with spinal precautions if trained.

5. Cuts, Grazes and Infections

Sharp rocks, shells, or hidden glass can cause cuts that are at risk of infection from bacteria in natural water.

First Aid:

• Rinse the wound with clean (preferably sterile) water.

• Apply antiseptic if available.

• Cover with a waterproof dressing.

• Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, pus, or fever.

If you suspect a deep wound or infection, seek medical advice.

What Every Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Should Know

Lifeguards and instructors must be trained in:

• Rescue techniques

• Resuscitation and AED use

• Spinal management

• Bleeding control

• First Aid for shock and cold exposure

• Mental Health First Aid (especially useful for young swimmers or after a distressing incident)

At EFAW, we offer tailored training sessions for leisure centres, holiday parks, and swim schools, led by experienced professionals who’ve worked on the front lines.

Safety Tips for Parents and Swimmers

• Always supervise children near water — even if they can swim.

• Avoid inflatables in open water — they’re easily swept away.

• Never swim alone — especially in open water.

• Know your limits — don’t overestimate your strength or stamina.

• Use sun cream and wear UV-protective swimwear.

• Be aware of tides, currents, and hidden hazards in natural settings.