Norfolk Water Safety event - 25.07.25

🛟 Come and join in! 🛟

Norfolk Water Safety Forum are planning to hold a promotional event by the slipway at Whitlingham Great Broad. This is part of World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday 25^th July. The event will take place in the morning and is set to include presence from*:

• HM Coastguard

• Broads Beat

• Broads Authority

• Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service

• RNLI

• Norfolk Children's Services

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service plan to have an emergency vehicle on site and a powerboat on the water, and there is set to be an RNLI gazebo nearby for visitor information.

*Visitors must be aware that several of these contributors are active emergency services and they may be on call elsewhere on the day, but are hoping to be available to attend this event at Whitlingham Country Park.

RNLI inshore lifeboat in action on the coast

Why is water safety so important?

Unfortunately, summer fun in or near water can also lead to danger without careful consideration of your activities, equipment and safety procedures. Several young people in our region have already lost their lives this spring and summer due to incidents involving water spaces such as lakes, canals or the sea. All water spaces carry risks and all must be approached with care and caution.

This important awareness event at Whitlingham Country Park will ensure visitors have the right information from the experts so they can keep themselves and their families safe while also having lots of fun.

How to be safe near the water at Whitlingham Country Park

We have multiple water spaces at the park, including the Great Broad, Little Broad and the River Yare.

Always follow advice from the safety signage which can be seen around the Great Broad and Little Broad. There are throw lines and life rings in multiple locations. You will also find what3words locations on the safety signs so that emergency services can find you more easily if they are needed.

It is always best practice to stay out of the water spaces at Whitlingham unless you are part of an organised activity with trained instructors. The Great Broad is far deeper than you might think, and there are hazards you may not be aware of at first glance.

Thanks to staff at Whitlingham Adventure for their support with use of the water space on the Great Broad and coordinating the visiting contributors. Their centre at the Great Broad offers activates which are organised and monitored by qualified staff for peace of mind in or on the water at Whitlingham.

🛟 Come on down, see the action, and learn how to keep safe near water! 🛟