10% of water related deaths in England last year took place in the East Midlands
The data from the National Water Safety Forum shows there were 14 deaths in the region in 2024
Water safety experts are urging people across the East Midlands to be vigilant around open water as new figures reveal 14 people died from accidentally drowning in the region last year.
Across the UK the number is close to 200.
The data from the National Water Safety Forum showed that most accidental fatalities took place inland, in waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries.
Adrian Mayhew, is the Director of National Operations and Safety Manager at Surf Life Saving GB. A charity with clubs across the country including in Ripley.
"A lot of times we are near to canals or rivers, walking the dog or going for a run or a bicycle ride, things like that, but unintentional accidents happen.
"If you look at the coast, we've got the Coast Guard, we've got the lifeguards but generally there are no lifesaving organisations as such inland.
"So it's an important part of those unintentional consequences that people we need to be aware of, when you're out near water, just to be mindful of that it is beautiful, but getting too close can have a consequence."
The month of May was also highlighted as the time most accidental water-related fatalities happened, with 28 lives across the UK tragically lost.
It seems that when air temperatures increases, it correlates to a rise in accidental drowning deaths. May 2024 was the warmest on record for the UK, so with more hot weather forecast this spring, water safety experts are urging the public to Respect the Water.
While July and August have historically seen the most water-related fatalities, for the last two years accidental drownings have peaked in the late spring and early summer, coinciding with unseasonably warm temperatures.
With hot weather continuing, the National Water Safety Forum is calling on the public to Respect the Water and be alert to the hidden dangers—especially cold-water shock.
Although air temperatures are getting higher, open water temperatures remain dangerously cold with many inland waters remaining below 16°C all year round, which is when water is considered hazardous for cold water shock. Sea temperatures are also unlikely to be higher than this at the moment.
Cold water shock is the body’s response to sudden immersion in cold water, leading to an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and temporary loss of swimming ability. This can result in drowning, especially if the person falls into the water unexpectedly.
The 2024 figures:
• Inland waterways – rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries – account for 61% of the deaths
• 84% of accidental fatalities are male
• The worst months for accidental fatalities were May (28), August (25) and July (21)
• Everyday activities like walking and running accounted for 37% of accidental fatalities, meaning many of those who lost their lives were not intending to enter the water
• 136 accidental drownings were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland.
Respect the Water is the National Water Safety Forum's public safety campaign that provides simple, life-saving advice to empower people to take responsibility for their safety near water.
Advice for people in trouble in the water:
• Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
• Try to relax and breathe normally while you move your hands to help you stay afloat
• Once the effects of the cold water shock pass, shout for help or swim to safety if you can.
Advice for if you see someone in trouble in the water:
• Call 999 to get help
• Tell the struggling person to float on their back
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy, or bottle.