Wakefield District Prepares for Water Safety Week from 25 to 30 May 2026

Water Safety Week is just around the corner, taking place from 25 to 30 May 2026, and it promises to be an important event for everyone in the Wakefield district. Organised by Wakefield Council in collaboration with several partners including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Water, Canal and River Trust, Vico Homes, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service, this week aims to raise awareness about the dangers associated with water and to teach essential life-saving skills.

Activities and Demonstrations

The Water Safety Week will feature a series of free, hands-on demonstrations at various water-side locations across the district. These sessions are designed to teach participants how to stay safe around water, highlighting the risks and providing practical skills that could save lives. Demonstrations will be held daily from 11 am to 2 pm at different locations:

• Monday 25 May - Swan and Cygnet (Bob Lake): Throwline, water flume, cold water shock, CPR

• Wednesday 27 May - The Hepworth Wakefield: Bankside Responder Scheme, water flume

• Thursday 28 May - Pugneys Country Park: Throwline, water flume, CPR

• Friday 29 May - Anglers Country Park: Throwline, water flume

• Saturday 30 May - Swan and Cygnet (Bob Lake): Throwline, water flume, cold water shock, CPR

Understanding the Risks

Water can be very inviting, especially in warm weather, but it can also be dangerous. Tony Reeves, the Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, emphasised the beauty of the district's waterways, stating, “We are very fortunate to have some beautiful stretches of water in our district. But, as inviting as they may seem, they are not safe to enter.”

One of the most significant dangers is cold water shock, which can affect even the strongest swimmers. This occurs when a person suddenly enters cold water, causing an involuntary reaction that can lead to panic and drowning. During the demonstrations, attendees will learn how this shock affects the body and what to do if someone finds themselves in such a situation.

Skills to Save Lives

Participants will also receive training on how to use a throwline, a device designed to help rescue someone in trouble in the water. In addition, they will learn CPR techniques, which are crucial in emergencies. By knowing how to perform CPR, individuals can help keep someone alive until professional help arrives.

Community Involvement

The Wakefield District Water Safety Group is keen to involve all members of the community, including families, teenagers, dog walkers, and regular users of parks and waterways. Dave Burland, Assistant District Commander at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, noted, “Firefighters too often see how a day by the water can turn into tragedy. We’re really pleased to be working with Wakefield Council to help highlight water safety information and to show people how quickly things like cold water shock can affect them.”

In addition to the public, local businesses near water bodies are encouraged to participate in the Bankside Responder Scheme, which trains staff to act as first responders in emergencies. This initiative aims to ensure that help is readily available in case of an incident.