Enjoy the Sunshine Safely

Hot, dry weather and open water can be more dangerous than they appear. Each summer, we see an increase in preventable incident. Stay safe outdoors this summer, find essential advice on heatwaves, wildfires, cold-water shock, camping safety and other seasonal risks. For more information and practical guidance, visit the British Red Cross, which also provides hot weather advice in a range of languages, including Bengali, French, Gujarati, Portuguese, Romanian, Tamil, Ukrainian and Urdu: British Red Cross emergency preparedness advice.

Water Safety - Cold Water Kills

The cold water temperature can claim your life in minutes - even if you are a strong swimmer.

Alcohol and swimming don't mix - perception and capability are both affected by drink.

There is no way of knowing what lies beneath the surface - weeds, shopping trolleys, sharp metal or broken bottles.

There are often no suitable places to get out of the water due to steep slippy banks and sides.

Don’t Drink and Drown

The Royal Life Saving Society UK, Don't Drink and Drown reminds us to look out for our mates especially if they've been drinking. If someone’s had too much to drink, don’t let them walk home alone—help them get home safely.

Between 2018 and 2023, nearly half of accidental drownings among 18–25-year-olds involved alcohol or drugs. Many of these incidents happened when people were walking near water alone and accidentally fell in. These tragedies are preventable—with a bit of awareness and support from friends.

Simple Ways to Stay Safe

  • Stick together – Make sure no one stumbles home alone after drinking

  • Avoid water – Steer clear of rivers, lakes, canals or docks if you’ve been drinking

  • Plan your route – Choose a safe way home that avoids water altogether

  • Be extra cautious even in summer – Cold water shock can take your breath away in seconds and lead to drowning, even for strong swimmers

What should I do if I see someone in difficulty?

  • Alert someone, preferably a life guard.

  • Dial 999

  • Ask for the fire and rescue service if you are at a river, canal or reservoir.

  • Ask for the Coastguard if you are at the sea.

  • Explain your location clearly and describe any landmarks.

Wildfire Aware

We attended 120 wildfires across Lancashire in 2022 alone.

The involvement of the public is a vital factor in preventing the massive damage that wildfires can cause. There are lots of ways you can support us and help keep our county safe.

We want people to stop using disposable barbecues in the countryside to reduce the amount of harm caused by wildfires.

Wildfires are easily started and can spread rapidly putting people, property and infrastructure at risk. The terrain makes them challenging to firefight and demands large amounts of our resources, as well as from the resources of our partners.

Lancashire knows only too well the devastating effects of wildfires following a fire on Winter Hill near Bolton in summer 2018 which destroyed 18 square kilometres of moorland. Despite this, we continue to experience avoidable fires in open spaces across the county, causing long-lasting harm to wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity.

Fire Engine with no campfires wrap

How you can help.

You can help look after Lancashire if you’re out enjoying the countryside, parks or beaches or even at home by following this advice:

  • Never use disposable barbecues on moorland or grassland. Please pack a picnic instead.

  • Avoid smoking on moorland. If you do, always extinguish your cigarettes and other smoking materials thoroughly.

  • Do not dispose of cigarette butts out of car windows.

  • Never leave bottles behind, as sunlight can become focused as it shines through glass, starting fires. Please take your litter home with you.

What do if you see a Wildfire

  • Call us on 999. Don’t assume someone else has.

  • Provide as much information as you can about the location, size, terrain and any other relevant information.

  • Move to a place of safety and don’t try to tackle the fire.

Barbecues & Outdoor Fires

Enjoy summer safely with these essential tips to prevent fire risks when using Barbecues, chimineas, or fire pits.

Do

  • Set up on a flat, non-flammable surface – Keep away from sheds, trees, fences, and dry grass.

  • Supervise at all times – Never leave BBQs or outdoor fires unattended.

  • Keep children and pets clear – Create a safety zone around the area.

  • Use the right fuel – For BBQs, use charcoal lighters or gas safely. For chimineas, burn untreated wood only.

  • Keep water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby – Be ready in case of emergencies.

  • Check before you burn – Follow local fire safety rules and avoid use during windy or drought conditions.

  • Let fires cool completely before disposal – Ashes should be cold to the touch.

Don’t

  • Don’t use petrol or paraffin to start fires – These are highly dangerous.

  • Don’t BBQ indoors or in tents – This can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Don’t place on or near decking, dry vegetation, or overhanging branches.

  • Don’t use during fire bans or extreme dry spells.

Additional Precautions when Camping

  • Never cook inside tents, awnings, or near sleeping areas

  • Keep all BBQs, fire pits, and chimineas well away from tents, caravans, trees, dry grass, and buildings – at least 2–10 metres, depending on the fire size.

  • Extinguish fires completely before leaving or sleeping – douse with water and check they are cold to the touch.