IF SOMEONE’S IN TROUBLE, CALL 999
When someone’s struggling in the water, the instinct to jump in and help can be overwhelming, but it can quickly lead to tragedy without the right training or equipment. The water is unpredictable and a rescue for one can very quickly become a search for two. Stay on land and make the right call, CALL 999
Which emergency service?
The emergency service you need will differ depending on whether you are by the coast or inland.
Hover or tap on the images below to find out which service to ask for in an emergency.
Beaches
Coastal
At Sea
Lakes & Lochs
Canals
Reservoirs
Quarries
Rivers
*Be aware HM Coastguard have delegated responsibility for Search and Rescue coordination for some inland waters, so please ask for the Coastguard at the following inland locations:
- River Thames in London up to Teddington Lock
- Lake District – Windermere, Coniston Water, Derwent Water & Ullswater
- Norfolk – The Broads
- River Severn up to Gloucester
- Northern Ireland – Lough Neagh, Lower Lough Erne, Upper Lough Erne,
- Scotland – Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy, Upper River Clyde
In Scotland, please also note that the responsibility at Loch Lomond lies with a different emergency service, so call 999 and ask for the Police.
If in doubt check local signage but don’t hesitate to call 999 immediately as the operator will help send the appropriate emergency service.
What to do
If you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call, Reach and Throw.
Call
999 and ask for the right service
Tell
them to float on their back
Throw
them something that floats
World Drowning Prevention Day
We are proud to take part in World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD), a global event set up by the World Health organisation. WDP runs every year with the aim of highlighting the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer life-saving solutions to prevent it.
