We would like to make all Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Leaders, Assessors, Supervisors and participants aware of the serious risks associated with wild swimming and entering open water during DofE expeditions.
In June, a young person tragically drowned while taking part in a DofE expedition in Powys, Wales. Our thoughts are with the young person’s family, friends and all those affected by this devastating incident.
Whilst the circumstances of this incident are still being investigated, it serves as an important reminder that rivers, lakes, reservoirs, quarries, and coastal waters can present significant and often hidden dangers. Even during periods of hot weather, open water can contain cold water shock hazards, strong currents, submerged obstacles, steep banks, and sudden changes in depth.
As we enter the busiest period of the expedition season, all schools and expedition providers are asked to:
- Review expedition risk assessments to ensure water-related hazards have been adequately considered.
- Make clear to participants that wild swimming is not permitted unless it forms part of a planned and appropriately supervised activity.
- Consider how free time, rest stops and overnight camps are managed, particularly where there is access to rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or the coast.
- Remind participants that entering open water to cool down can have tragic consequences.
- Ensure all staff, volunteers and young people understand emergency arrangements and how to summon assistance if required.
- Take account of current weather conditions, especially during periods of hot weather when there may be an increased temptation to enter water.
Guidance is available from:
- DofE Expedition Guide and Somerset Council DoE Guidance
- Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS)
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
The safety of young people remains our highest priority. Please use this opportunity to reinforce water safety messages with all expedition participants before they set out. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Somerset DofE team.
