Firefighters have issued fresh open water advice to help Salford parents and guardians to keep their children and young people safe this summer.
Greater Manchester firefighters are urging parents and guardians to discuss with their children the dangers of swimming in open water.
It comes after several young people have died in drowning incidents this year across the region.
Since the start of 2026, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has attended 75 water incidents, of which five were fatal incidents.
This included the death of a 15-year-old boy who got into difficulty in a river at Clifton Country Park in Swinton on Monday 29 June.
One of the key messages in the new water safety campaign launched by the force is “float to live.”
This is a water safety technique promoted by the RNLI designed to help you survive if you unexpectedly fall into deep or cold water. Instead of thrashing or fighting the water, people are advised to lean back, tilt their head, and float until their breathing is under control.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is urging parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather and summer months.
With more hot weather forecast and school holidays approaching, the fire service is reinforcing its water safety messaging, which currently includes all parents receiving safety messaging from their child’s school.
One of the most common dangers is cold water shock. Even on warm days, cold water can quickly overwhelm the body. Hidden hazards below the water’s surface can also place people in danger within seconds.
The service has also asked people to keep in mind the catchy slogan “Phone, Float, Throw.”
This reminds people who see someone in trouble in water to phone 999 for assistance, tell the person in trouble to stay calm and float on their back, and throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive.
Fire crews and outreach team will be visible in communities across Salford and areas where people can be at risk and will be giving advice on the dangers of swimming in open water and what to do if people ever find someone, or themselves, in difficulty.
Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “It is vital that parents and children know the dangers of open water. Cold water shock can kill within minutes and there are often hazards in water that cannot be seen from the surface.
“If you see someone in trouble in the water, remember: ‘Phone, Float, Throw’. Always phone 999 and ask for fire if inland or the coastguard by sea, tell them to float on their back and throw them rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive. Do not go in the water yourself.
“We will be emphasising these messages at community events throughout the summer.”
