Who to call if it goes wrong

Do you know who to call if you get into trouble? The question sounds too simple to need asking, and it's easy to answer yes. It's harder to say which service to ask for at a lake, or how you'd describe exactly where you are with cold hands and a racing heart. Sort it out now, on dry land.

The number, and who to ask for

In the UK, call 999. The RNLI also gives 112. When the operator answers, ask for the right service:

• At the coast: ask for the Coastguard. HM Coastguard is an emergency service on the same 999 number as the police, fire and ambulance services.
• Inland, on a river or lake: ask for Fire and Rescue. That's the RNLI's advice, and it's the same split that the RNLI, HM Coastguard, RLSS UK and Yorkshire's fire services used in a joint water safety campaign.

Make it a voice call. The RNLI says smartphones can share a location, but emergency calls should be made by voice, because text messages and map locations are often no use to the Coastguard.

What they'll ask you

HM Coastguard's guidance is to tell them what you've seen, where the incident is, when it happened, and your name. Then don't hang up. Stay on the line, and keep the person in sight if you can.

If you're on a lifeguarded beach, tell the lifeguard too. There's more on that in lifeguards, flags and designated swim areas.

Know where you are before you need to

HM Coastguard says one of the first things you'll be asked is where you are. The more precisely you can answer, the better. Its advice:

• Make a note of local landmarks, such as car park names, and take a photo of them.
• Look for safety signs that show the beach name and a location reference, and photograph those too.
• Use a location app. HM Coastguard names Google Maps, Apple Maps, OS Locate and what3words, and suggests practising with yours before you need it.
• If you can, give a six-figure OS grid reference. HM Coastguard calls it the most reliable way to tell them where you are.

HM Coastguard points out that in remote areas you might not have the mobile data to use apps, so work out your location while you still have signal, at the car park or on the walk in.

No signal?

The RNLI's advice is not to give up if your phone shows no service. Try 999 or 112 anyway, because your phone will try to connect to any other network that's available. The RNLI also notes that on some devices, repeatedly pressing the power button can start an emergency call with your location.

None of that helps if your phone is flat or soaked. The RNLI recommends a fully charged phone in a waterproof pouch, carried on you so it's within reach, plus a whistle to attract attention. The open water kit list has the rest.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, HM Coastguard says you can text 999 through the emergency SMS service, but only if you've registered your phone first. Don't wait until you need it.

Tell someone where and when

The RNLI advises telling someone on shore where you're going and when you'll be back, so they can call for help if you're overdue. HM Coastguard gives the same advice for before you leave home. A quick message with the spot, your start time and when you expect to be out does the job. Better still, the RNLI says, swim with a buddy and look out for each other.

If it's someone else in trouble

The hardest moment is watching someone else struggle. RLSS UK's Water Safety Code is clear on what to do:

• Call 999, and ask for the Coastguard if you're at the coast.
• Throw them something that floats.
• Tell them to float on their back until help arrives. Panic in the water and cold water shock explain why floating works.

Knowing who to call and checking for phone signal are both on the outdoor swimming safety checklist. Both take seconds to answer before a swim.

Sources

1. RNLI, How to call for help at sea
2. RNLI, Open water swimming
3. HM Coastguard, In an emergency
4. HM Coastguard, Know where you are. Help us to help you
5. Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, Yorkshire organisations come together to highlight importance of being water wise
6. Royal Life Saving Society UK, The Water Safety Code

This guide is general information, not a substitute for local knowledge or training. Conditions change: check them on the day, and if in doubt, don't go in. Images on the blog are illustrations, not pictures of specific spots.