Worcester-based charity highlight importance of staying safe near water after consuming alcohol
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) is running its annual Don't Drink and Drown campaign in the run up to Christmas, encouraging people to take safe routes home from nights out away from bodies of water
A Worcester-based charity is highlighting the importance of taking safe routes home on nights out away from places such as rivers and canals during the festive period.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS) is running its annual Don't Drink and Drown campaign this week (6-12 December) in the run up to Christmas to encourage people to take responsibility for any of their friends who have consumed alcohol and help them to avoid dangerous routes by water and return home safely.
In it the charity refers to data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) from 2018-2023 which showed that 46% of accidental drownings in those ages 18-25 involve alcohol and/or drugs.
A One Poll survey in 2024 also revealed 3 in 4 of young adult drinkers think it is okay to drink alcohol and get into the water.
Senior head of marketing and communications at the RLSS Hayley Edney said the campaign helps to deliver key messages to people around this time of year.
"This is when the risk of substance related drownings rises significantly," she said.
"People are out and about celebrating, often near rivers, canals or other bodies of water and alcohol or drugs can impair judgement and physical ability.
It's a time for joy, but we want to make sure everyone gets home safely."
Further information on water safety can be found on the RLSS website.