Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental deaths and claims the lives of more than 50 children every year in the UK.

Under-estimating the dangers of water can have tragic consequences. You can't always see the danger hidden below the surface. Water is unpredictable and even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble quickly.

Children are often drawn to open water particularly during the summer months, this includes places such as the sea, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, canals, rivers, and even paddling pools.

The key to staying safe is making the right choices to avoid getting into difficulty in the first place. Please check out our guidance below for top tips, facts and resources on staying safe around water.#

Remember if you are in danger, or you see someone in danger call 999

In inland water, ask for FIRE
In the sea, ask for the COASTGUARD
If someone has gone under the water and cannot be seen, ask for POLICE

Colleagues across Wakefield have created a film to bring home to hard hitting realities of swimming in open water.

With the help of Sam Teale Productions and local actors, three real life scenarios have been created to show you what can happen when you enter open water and the impact this has on the people you leave behind.