Water safety experts share advice for vigilance around open water
Kent recorded five deaths by accidental drowning in the UK last year
Water safety experts are urging people to be vigilant around open water, Kent recorded five deaths by accidental drowning.
Figures released today (Wednesday 28 May) reveal that 193 people died in the UK in 2024 from accidentally drowning.
Peter Faulding, is from the Lucas Dobson water safety campaign, he said: "What people do is jump in and swim out as far as they can and all of a sudden they are exhausted.
"And the water is so cold it freezes your muscles and you get cold water shock. The mistake most people make is they don't float and flail their arms around trying to hold themselves up.
"Instead, save your energy by laying on the water, putting your face in it and taking a breathe every minute or so and eventually you'll drift to the side."
The 2024 figures reveal:
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
13\6 accidental drownings were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland.
Respect the Water is the NWSF’s public safety campaign that provides simple, life-saving advice to empower people to take responsibility for their safety near water.
Their advice to people who find themselves in trouble in the water is to float to live:
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.
The advice if you see someone else in trouble in the water is to Call, Tell, Throw:
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.