The London Fire Brigade attended more than 1,500 water-related incidents in the last five years, in which 103 people died.
Death trap: inland waterways were the scene of more than half the deaths from drownings between 2019 and 2024, according to LFB figures
As part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s “Be Water Aware” campaign, the Brigade is reminding Londoners to respect open water as deceptively cold temperatures, strong currents and hidden debris can all prove fatal.
A woman and a boy drowned after getting into difficulties in the River Brent last Saturday.
The Brigade’s figures show that 40% of water-related incidents occur between May and August.
Boroughs along the Thames are most likely to see people fall into the river, as Londoners can slip into the water after drinking or venture in on hot days to cool off, with more than a quarter (28%) of water-related incidents occurring in just four riverside boroughs – Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth and Richmond.
Figures for water-related incidents attended by London Fire Brigade between 2021 and 2025 show 10 in Croydon, 25 in Merton, 20 in Bromley and six in Sutton.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: “More than 100 people have died in non-suicide related drownings in London over the last five years, so this ‘Be Water Aware Week’ we want to remind Londoners about the real and immediate dangers of open water.
“We know that the warmer weather can tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Many Londoners are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.
Safety first: the LFB and Coast Guard are on call along the tidal River Thames
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.
“If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”
Led by the National Fire Chiefs Council, the ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign highlights the ongoing and preventable risk of accidental drowning. Figures show that between 2019 and 2024, 1,602 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents, with 56% (901) occurring in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Top water safety tips
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- If you do get into trouble, remember the RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, try to relax and control your breathing, and use gentle movements to stay afloat
- Don’t go into the water if someone else is in trouble – call London Fire Brigade or the Coast Guard
- Never drink alcohol and then go for a swim or attempt to jump into water
- Avoid walking or running near water on your own or late at night – it’s easier than you think to slip and fall in
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For more water safety advice, visit https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/water-safety/
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