More than 10 people have died in London in the last three years in water-related incidents, statistics from London Fire Brigade have revealed.

The brigade is warning people to take care around water this summer as part of the Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week, from April 25 until May 1.

The brigade attends at least one water related incident a week in the summer, and about 30 water rescues a year. In the last three years, there have been 13 fatalities in London. 

London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Richard Mills, said: "It is not about stopping people enjoying leisure activities in and around the water but about raising awareness of potential risks and encouraging them to stay safe.

"If someone falls into deep water the first thing is to call for help straightaway.  Call 999 and ask for the fire service and ambulance. When you have made this call, shout for help from anyone who might be close by.

"Never enter the water to try and save someone. This can add to the problem even if you are a strong swimmer. If there’s no lifesaving equipment, look around for something to reach out to them such as a scarf or a long stick. 

"Lie on the ground so your body is safely on the edge to avoid being pulled in. If you do manage to get them out of the water, always seek medical attention – if water has entered the lungs then it can cause death up to 48 hours after the incident."

National figures show that 338 people died from accidental drowning across the UK last year.

Of those, 25 per cent had alcohol in their system.

Runners and walkers accounted for 138 of the victims.