Stay together, safe and away from the edge
University life is full of new experiences, from nights out and social events to exploring Oxford with friends. But when alcohol or drugs are involved, being near water can carry additional risks.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign encourages students to look out for themselves and their friends around rivers, canals and other waterways.
You don’t have to plan on going into the water to be at risk. Many incidents happen when people are simply walking home after a night out, taking a shortcut beside water, sitting near the water’s edge or becoming separated from their friends.
Plan ahead and #BeAMate
A few simple choices can help keep you and your friends safe:
- Stay away from the edge if you’ve been drinking. Avoid sitting or gathering close to rivers, canals and other waterways.
- Plan your route home before you go out and choose well-lit, populated routes away from water where possible.
- Stay together. Look out for your friends and help each other get home safely.
- Never enter the water after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Alcohol can affect your balance, judgement, reaction time and swimming ability.
If someone falls into the water
Call 999 immediately and don’t enter the water yourself. If possible, throw them something that floats and encourage them to float on their back while they wait for help.
Find out more about water safety for university students and the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign on the RLSS UK website.
Stay informed
Working together, the SU and University encourage students to stay informed and take a responsible approach towards water safety, keeping in mind the following key potential hazards and advice.
Temperature
Water can remain cold and cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the hottest days.
Water level
Beware of rapid changes in water depth, even in seemingly shallow areas – don’t walk, run or cycle through water where you cannot see the bottom or dive or jump straight into open water.
Avoid flooded towpaths and be cautious of surrounding areas – flood water may loosen surfaces, so find alternative routes.
Injury
Hazardous items can be hidden beneath the surface of the water, including rocks, rubbish and glass, as well as motors from boats that could catch on your clothing and cause serious injury.
Open water can also be a serious risk to health due to poor water quality and pollution.
Control
Never swim, even where allowed, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or go near areas of open water if you or someone with you has been drinking.
Never enter water wearing inappropriate clothing and/or footwear (e.g. non-swimwear), even in areas where swimming is allowed and you've not been drinking or taken any substances. Never swim alone, or in a deserted area where you can’t get someone’s attention should you need help, even if swimming is allowed.
Emergency
If you or someone around you is struggling in the water or experiencing cold water shock, don’t panic.
- Extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effects pass, or rescue arrives.
- Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.
- Throw something that floats if you have it.
- Never enter the water to attempt a rescue.
How Think TWICE was developed
The Think TWICE campaign has been developed in response to a Conference of Common Rooms mandate submitted in Trinity term 25 and the University’s ongoing work to review wider risks to students during their time at the University.
It will evolve across the year with the SU working with Common Room leaders to ensure that water safety remains a focus for student safety.