Water safety experts in Cornwall offer vital lifesaving advice
An awareness event to prevent accidental drowning is taking place at Bude Sea Pool
An event is being held in Bude to offer vital lifesaving advice, as figures reveal nine people died in accidental drownings across Cornwall last year.
The National Water Safety Forum warns young people are the most at risk, with over a quarter of accidental drownings are young people according to new research.
Figures have found that 26% of all accidental drowning deaths in the past five years involved people aged between 10 and 29.
A spokesperson from the Royal Lifesaving Society said: "With more people enjoying water during summertime, a disproportionate number of people drown in the UK between May and August, and we see an increased number of drownings in periods of extreme heat. Through the delivery of high-quality water safety education and advice, accidental drownings can be prevented."
"The most important thing is to make contact with them, shout to them and tell them you're going to try to help. Be sure to call 999, and in inland waters, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
"Your message from the side should be 'Float to Live'. Get them to put their head back, get their lungs full of air which will bring them up to the top of the water."