Lakes, ponds and beaches may look enticing, especially in hot weather. However, it is important to know what the dangers are if you're near, or choose to get in open water. Drowning is amongst the leading causes of accidental deaths in the UK.
Useful resources
Key water safety tips
- Respect the water – Cold water shock can happen in any open water, even on hot days.
- Supervise children – Always keep young children within arm’s reach around water.
- Never swim alone – If you're swimming outdoors, always go with someone and let others know where you are.
- Avoid alcohol near water – It affects judgement, balance, and reaction times: RLSS Don’t Drink and Drown
- Wear buoyancy aids – When undertaking activities on water such as kayaking or paddleboarding, always wear appropriate buoyancy aids.
- Never jump or dive into water – you don’t know what’s below the surface.
- Be cautious near rip tides - they can create powerful currents that are hazardous even for strong swimmers
- Keep dogs on leads near the water and do not jump in after them if they fall in.
Open water in North Tyneside
Throughout the borough there are many sites with open water, both inland and on the coast.
View locations, facilities and safety information:
Dangers of open water
You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that doesn't mean you can swim in cold water. Dangers of swimming in cold water include:
- The water may feel warm on the surface, but just a few feet below the surface it can be icy cold. The cold water can affect stamina and strength of swimmers. Cold water can kill you in less than a minute.
- The water may look calm on the surface, but there can be strong undercurrents that could pull even a strong swimmer under the water.
- It can be difficult to estimate the depth of the water.
- There may be hidden rubbish/vegetation under the surface that can trap or cut.
- It can be difficult to climb out with banks that can be steep, slimy and crumble away.
- It may be polluted, which could make you ill.
- There are no lifeguards except at beach resorts during the warmer months.
How to stay safe near water
- Look out for signage to tell you when and where it is safe to use the water. Know what they mean and do what they tell you.
- Never let young children go near water without being accompanied by an adult. An adult can point out dangers or help if someone gets into trouble.
- Never jump in or suddenly immerse yourself in cold water as the shock could kill you.
- Never walk on ice or let a pet go onto ice. You do not know if it can hold your weight.
What to do if you fall into deep water - FLOAT
If you fall into deep water, you should lie on your back and FLOAT
- Tilt head back: Submerge your ears to help maintain a steady, buoyant position.
- Relax & Breathe: Control your breathing to fight the effects of cold water shock.
- Gentle Movement: Use your hands and legs gently to keep you afloat.
- Don't Panic If Legs Sink: It is fine if your legs sink, everyone floats differently.
- Spread Arms & Legs: Spread your limbs to maximize stability and buoyancy
If you spot someone in trouble in the water:
- Shout for help and tell a lifeguard, if there is one.
- Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard at the beach or Fire and Rescue at inland water sites. Try to give a specific location if possible - check nearby signage for details.
- Encourage the person in the water to try and float on their back
- Throw nearby rescue equipment to them by following the instructions on the equipment/housing
Never ever enter the water to try and save someone. If you go into the water you are likely to suffer from cold water shock which will leave you unable to help even if you are a strong swimmer.
Reporting any concerns
Litter and full bins Antisocial behaviour
Lost, injured or dead animals Other issues
If you have any concerns or spot any issues with our open water sites please report these online or via contact.us@northtyneside.gov.uk or 0345 2000 101
Use of open water for activities
Businesses operating commercially at both inland and coastal water locations are responsible for ensuring that suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment and Method Statements are in place for all activities they undertake, and that these are implemented by trained and competent personnel.
- Coastal water
Recreational use of coastal water by individual members of the public or informal groups is permitted but at the user’s own risk.
- Inland water
Physical entry into inland waters is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and wading.
Approved activities on inland waters are limited to those managed through formal licence agreements. These currently include:
- Angling (fishing)
- Model boating
If you would like to arrange an event on Council land, please submit an online event notification form.