As a heatwave returns to the UK, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched a summer safety campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with hot weather, particularly the dangers of swimming in open water. Speaking during a training exercise on the River Tyne in Hexham, Alun Ross, HART (hazardous area rescue team) and resilience manager at NEAS, warned the public to exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar waters.
Water Incidents on the Rise
The campaign comes after a series of frightening water-based incidents across the UK this summer. Earlier in 2024, a coroner called for more action following a double tragedy in which two teenagers died in May. Another water safety campaign, supported by the Chronicle and former Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, highlighted the dangers of open water swimming after the hottest May days on record.
Alun Ross told ChronicleLive: "The important thing for us to say is that this is something we see happen every year. We see people in the water, often having entered voluntarily, and then finding themselves in difficulty. Unfortunately, by the time that we can get to them, there can already have been a tragic outcome. That's why we want to spread the word this summer."
Hidden Dangers of Open Water
Ross explained that many incidents occur when people leave home without intending to swim but are tempted to cool off in unknown water. He highlighted risks such as deeper-than-expected water, cold water shock, and hidden hazards like snagging or shallow water. He urged the public to swim only at lifeguarded beaches and to avoid entering unknown water without proper training or equipment.
He also advised parents to discuss water safety with their children and referenced RNLI guidance on what to do if struggling in water, including the "float to live" technique and calling 999 for the Coastguard.
NEAS Data Shows Summer Demand
NEAS released figures illustrating the scale of demand across the North East between June and September last year. During that period, the service responded to 1,105 bike-related incidents (including 343 in August alone), 443 heat-related incidents, and seven water-related incidents, which bosses said "can rapidly become life-threatening."
In June 2026 alone, NEAS responded to 329 bike-related incidents, 205 heat-related incidents, and four water-related incidents.
Preventable Emergencies
Stu Holliday, NEAS strategic head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response, said: "Every summer, we see an increase in incidents linked to hot weather, open water and outdoor activities. Many of the emergencies we attend could be prevented through greater awareness and a few simple precautions."
He added that NEAS works closely with partners including HM Coastguard, RNLI, fire and rescue services, police, mountain rescue teams, Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), and local hospital trusts to keep communities safe, but emphasized the public's role in making informed choices.
Focus on Youth Safety
Esme Bellerby, HART team leader, said: "On warm days, we see more incidents involving open water. Rivers, lakes and the sea can look safe, but they're often much colder and more dangerous than people realise. Sadly, we continue to see tragic incidents across the country, particularly involving younger people getting into difficulty in the water. That's why it's so important that we educate children and teenagers about the risks and help them understand how quickly things can go wrong."
