Young people are being urged to stay away from rivers and lakes this weekend – even as the mercury rises to a forecast 33C on Saturday.
Much of the UK is predicted to enter a heatwave over the next few days with the highest temperatures of the year so far.
But firefighters warn the scorching weather can lead people to do risky things in the search of some relief, including taking a dip in dangerous waterways.
So far this year, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been called out to more than 280 water-related incidents – an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2024.
Rescuers have been called out to people who have found themselves stuck in mud, caught in a strong tide, or trapped in a capsized boat.
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Pam Oparaocha, LFB’s assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: ‘With warm weather and school holidays on the horizon, we want people, especially young people, to enjoy our waterways safely, and that starts with education.
‘Strong currents, underwater hazards and cold water shock can be deadly.
‘It’s important to know the risks and to familiarise yourself with lifesaving equipment like throwlines, which are available along many of London’s waterways.’
Firefighters in Twickenham have been taking a hydraulic ‘river flume tank’ to schools and youth groups in the area to demonstrate how flowing water behaves.
London deputy mayor for the fire service Jules Pipe said the city’s waterways may look appealing in the heat, but they can contain ‘hidden dangers’.
She said: ‘As the hot weather continues and with the summer holidays looming, this timely work with young people will help save lives and build a safer London for everyone.’
Will there be a heatwave this weekend?
In order for a heatwave to be made official, the Met Office says several conditions must be met.
The peak temperature must exceed a certain level for at least three days in a row, and that level changes depending on where you are in the country.
In north and west parts of the UK, the threshold is 25C, while in Greater London and the Home Counties it’s up at 28C.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: ‘Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day.
‘Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK.
‘We could very well see several places exceeding 30ºC, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far.’
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