People across the county are being warned to take extra care around water as warmer weather arrives.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting the dangers of open water during the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) annual Be Water Aware campaign.
The campaign, running until May 3, highlights the ongoing risk of accidental drowning.
Between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents, with 56 per cent (901) occurring in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Alarmingly, half of those who drowned had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips, and falls identified as a leading cause.
The data also shows that 82 per cent of accidental drowning fatalities were men.
The service has previously teamed up with local volunteers to deliver training in the use of throwlines, allowing them to help someone getting into difficulty around river locks, as well as other general water safety tips.
This year, a video has been produced to provide refresher training for those who have completed it, and to introduce new users to using a throwline.
The video is available on the fire service YouTube channel.
The campaign also warns against cooling off in open water.
Many people, particularly those unfamiliar with outdoor swimming, may underestimate hidden risks.
Submerged hazards and consistently low water temperatures mean cold water shock remains a real danger, even on hot days.
Cold water shock can trigger an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, panic, and a sudden loss of swimming ability, drastically increasing the risk of drowning.
Safety tips include the 'Float to Live' technique, swimming with someone else, and using the what3words app to pinpoint your location.
The app is free and available on any mobile device.
People are urged to call 999 immediately if they see someone in trouble near water.
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