The joint #RespectTheWater campaign, run by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), aims to reduce the number of water-related deaths and accidents.
The campaign comes with the publication of the latest figures from the NWSF's Water Incident Database (WAID), which shows that 58% of accidental drownings were at inland locations. The total was 254 accidental drownings in UK waters across inland and coastal locations, an increase of 34 fatalities compared with 2019.
The WAID database shows that inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations for accidental drownings with 58% of deaths (139 people). Males continue to over represent with 78% of deaths (199).
Almost half of (43%) people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves (107).
The collaborating members of the NWSF, come from a range of sectors including sports governing bodies, rescue services, charities, regulators, navigation and harbour authorities, local government, utilities and those representing quarry operators. In a call to action, members of the NWSF are asking everyone to support and promote the national #RespectTheWater campaign, to reduce drowning this summer.
The national campaign aims to provide simple lifesaving advice, which can help members of the public take personal responsibility for their own and family’s safety by remembering lifesaving tips.
These include: if you get into trouble in the in the water, Float to Live; Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety; If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112; If you are the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson commented: “We are delighted to be backing this essential initiative and will continue to work collaboratively with the National Water Forum to promote the #RespectTheWater campaign, to reduce drowning this summer."
