Board Manager's Blog (August 2025) Fri 15 Aug 2025
This month's blog discusses how to stay safe during the summer holidays, the practical side of staying safe and the potential financial pressures the next few weeks may bring.
Summer Safety for All: Enjoying the Season, Looking Out for Each Other
August in Yorkshire… long light evenings, that mix of glorious sunshine and the odd heavy downpour, and the smell of freshly cut grass in the air. Whether you're lucky enough to get away this summer or staying right here in the Bradford District, the season still offers moments to enjoy, children playing outside, neighbours chatting , friends and families spending time together.
But we also know that summer can be different for everyone. For some, financial pressures mean there's no holiday on the horizon, and the school holidays can bring extra challenges , from keeping children entertained to managing increased costs at home. That's why this month's blog is for everyone in our community – sharing practical safeguarding tips for both children and adults, whether you're by the coast, in the countryside, or right here in the heart of the city.
🌊 Open Water Safety – Yorkshire's Rivers, Reservoirs and Canals
Living in Yorkshire, we're surrounded by beauty, from Ilkley's River Wharfe to the many reservoirs, lakes, and canals across our district. But while these spots are lovely to walk by or picnic near, they can be dangerous to swim in.
Sadly, every summer we hear about lives lost to open water accidents, many of them young people.
Even on the hottest day, the water can be freezing below the surface, which can cause cold water shock your body's sudden reaction to cold that can stop you breathing properly. There can also be strong currents, weeds, or debris hidden below the surface.
Stay safe:
🔹 Stick to lifeguarded swimming areas or pools.
🔹 Never jump from bridges or edges into rivers or reservoirs.
🔹 If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 – Fire & Rescue for inland water, Coastguard at the seaside.
🔹 Teach children the Royal Life Saving Society's "Float to Live" technique.
🔗 Further water safety advice - www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information
☀️ Sun & Heat Safety – For Children, Adults and Older People
Yorkshire weather is unpredictable, but we do get those hot spells, and they can affect people's health quickly. Children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions are more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
Tips to keep cool and safe:
🔹 Drink water regularly – even if you don't feel thirsty.
🔹 Wear light clothing and a hat outdoors.
🔹 Keep rooms cool by closing curtains in sunny spots.
🔹 Avoid being outside in the strongest sun (11 am–3 pm).
🔹 Check in on neighbours who might struggle in the heat.
💻 Online Safety – Extra Time Online in the Holidays
We all know the internet is a big part of modern life, but school holidays often mean more time online. This can be great for connecting with friends, but it also comes with risks, such as online exploitation, scams, or cyberbullying.
What helps:
🔹 Talk openly about online activity – make it normal for children to tell you if something worries them.
🔹 Use privacy settings and parental controls.
🔹 Remind children not to share personal details.
🔹 Be aware of online exploitation and grooming – if something feels wrong, it probably is.
🔗 Support for parents: NSPCC - www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
👵 Looking Out for Adults at Risk This Summer
It's not just children we need to think about. Older adults, people with disabilities, and those living with health conditions may need extra Support in summer, especially during heatwaves or long spells of isolation.
You can make a difference by:
🔹 Offering to pick up shopping or medicine.
🔹 Checking they have cool, comfortable spaces indoors.
🔹 Encouraging them to stay hydrated.
🔹 Simply saying hello – a friendly chat can brighten someone's day.
🔹 Also a cool damp cloth on the back of the neck can work wonders in this heat.
🌟 Looking Ahead – Summer in the City of Culture
As we soak up and try and enjoy the last of the summer days, it's also a brilliant time to get out and enjoy what the Bradford District has to offer as the UK City of Culture 2025.
Big shout-out to all the incredible events, performances, and community celebrations happening across our district. Why not take the opportunity to explore some of the free events on offer? It's a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family, meet new people, and experience the best of Bradford while enjoying that great Yorkshire summer spirit.
Stay safe, look out for each other, make the most of everything our city has to share and see you again in September
Darren Minton
Safeguarding Partnerships Business Unit Manager