The Drowning Problem
The National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) ‘WAter Incident Database’ (WAID) indicates that there is a persistent accidental drowning problem in the United Kingdom.
For more information see the WAID Database.
We endorse and quote the advice given by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) on their web site, for families and people who want to get out and about but they need to be extra vigilant around inland waters, such as rivers, lakes, lochs, quarries and reservoirs, which can be more dangerous than they appear.
The statistics show there are about 260 accidental drowning deaths in inland waters each year - about 60 per cent of the total number of accidental water deaths.
In 2011, 22 teenagers aged 15-19 drowned accidentally in the UK, with the majority of these deaths happening in inland waters, according to the NWSF’s Incident Database.
RoSPA’s David Walker, this year has said: “During hot spells, many people, and especially teenagers, are tempted to go swimming in inland waters like rivers and lakes, but they need to be aware that these locations have many unseen hazards. Water can be a lot colder than you are expecting and there may be strong currents and underwater debris.”
RoSPA has put together the following water safety tips:
- Swimming at properly-supervised sites, such as beaches, lidos or swimming pools, is best, although RoSPA appreciates that not everyone can get to these locations
- If you choose to go to an unsupervised site, think through the hazards first and ensure you know what to do if something goes wrong
- One of the hazards to consider is that water can be a lot colder than you are expecting so be careful if you jump in or go for a swim to cool off. Consider wearing a well-fitting wetsuit, which can keep you warm and offer some buoyancy in the water
- Before you get into the water, consider how you are going to get out again e.g. are there steep banks that might make it difficult to get out?
- Be honest about your swimming ability
- Remember that alcohol and swimming never mix
- Parents and carers: discuss the hazards with your children and remind them that children should never swim alone at unsupervised locations.
For more safety tips and advice, see RoSPA’s Water Safety for Children and Young People factsheet.