With temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees this weekend across Lincolnshire, it is important that you take care in the hot weather.

Whilst we want you to enjoy yourselves this weekend, it is worth remembering the dangers that the sunshine can bring.
Babies, young children and older people are those most prone to illness when the warm weather comes. Therefore, we ask that you take measures to look after these categories of people.

Issues of security may also arise, so it is crucial that you remember to lock your windows when you are not in the room and to lock the doors of your house when you are in the back garden. Doors to garages should be locked, particularly if the garage has a door through to the house.

If you are a dog owner, it is essential that you do not leave your dog in hot cars. The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly rise, which may leave the dog at risk of distress and illness. For more advice on how to look after dogs in hot weather, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars

Please stay safe when in or near open water – it can be extremely dangerous.  Every year the police receive reports of people jumping into rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, and getting into difficulty.

The Dangers

Anyone using open water or near it needs to be aware of hazards and other risk factors including

•Injury if jumping or diving into water which is shallower than it appears
•Deeper water than expected, which can increase the risk of drowning if you get into difficulty
•Cold temperatures, particularly in deeper water, which can make swimming difficult and make it harder to get out
•Open water can be very cold even on a hot summer’s day, leading to cramp and breathing difficulties
•River banks can be unstable and liable to collapse if you get too close to the edge
•If you are in the water the loose and slippery sides of quarries and banks can make if difficult to climb out
•There may be hidden obstacles or objects under the surface which could trap a person or cause injury
•Strong currents can rapidly sweep people away and they may be present even when the surface looks calm
•It is often difficult for the emergency services to access open water sites such as quarries and riverbanks off the beaten track.

Top Tips To Stay Safe

It is clear from all of the above that everyone needs to take extra care when in or near open water and to adhere to the following safety advice:
•Take notice of warning and guidance signs – water conditions are constantly changing
•Swim parallel with the shore, rather than away from it, and avoid drifting in currents
•Get out of the water as soon as you start to feel cold
•Alcohol and swimming should never be mixed
•If walking or running keep away from the water’s edge and supervise youngsters at all times
•Don’t use airbeds at open locations where they may be carried into deeper water and may not stay afloat
•Don’t swim near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices
•Only enter water where there is adequate supervision and rescue cover
•Wear recommended safety equipment – for example life jackets/helmets for canoeing
•Don’t jump/dive into open water unless you are sure of the depth and that there are no submerged hazards
•Getting trained in first aid, rescue and resuscitation techniques could save a life
•Ensure children know how to swim and that they do not enter the water alone.

Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the sunshine!