Families back urgent call to reduce drowning in Wales
In Wales 1,071 years of life are lost to drowning deaths each year, with around one person dying in a water-related incident every week
Families who have lost loved ones to drowning are making a plea to reduce the number of people losing their lives in the water in Wales.
Their call comes ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day (July 25) and as figures show that in Wales 1,071 years of life are lost to drowning deaths each year, with around one person dying in a water-related incident every week.
Schoolchildren break up for summer holidays this week and after multiple deaths during recent hot weather spells, families with lived experience are joining forces with Welsh Government, charities, landowners, activity providers and campaigners to launch the Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy in Cardiff.
This year marks 20 years since Maxine Johnson and Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE both lost their sons to drowning in separate incidents in 2006.
Maxine’s son Reuben Morgan, 15, died whilst swimming at Pontsticill Reservior near Merthyr Tydfil, while Debbie’s 15-year-old son Christopher drowned in a river at Capel Curig in Conwy. Debbie and Maxine have been campaigning to raise awareness of water safety for the 20 years since.
Debbie said: ‘We know young men are the most likely group to drown in Wales and more people die in water in the summer months. We want everyone to know how to enjoy the water safely.
‘Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and Float to Live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety.
‘If you see anyone else in trouble in the water, don’t go in after them but remember to Phone, Float, Throw. Phone 999 and initiate the emergency response, shout to the casualty to Float To Live, and if you can throw them something that floats.’
Maxine added: ‘Every drowning has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
‘No one ever thinks it will happen to them, or their friend or family member – but the truth is, anyone can get into difficulty in the water.
‘We believe drowning is preventable and the Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy being launched today sets out how we can work together to reduce incidents and save lives. We want everyone to play their part.’
The strategy launch coincides with World Drowning Prevention Day which takes place every year on July 25th and encourages people to practice Float To Live.
Keith Reid, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, said:
"Every drowning is a tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on families, friends and communities, and one life lost is one life too many. By bringing together public services, schools, colleges, communities, charities and partners across Wales, we can strengthen our shared mission to prevent avoidable deaths in, on and around water. This strategy reflects our collective determination to save lives, raise awareness of water safety, and work towards a future where no family has to experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one in this way."
There are around 600 water related fatalities in the UK every year and in Wales there is an average of around one drowning every week at coastal and inland waters.
Eight in 10 accidental water-related fatalities in Wales are male with accidental drownings most frequent in males aged 20 to 29
Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: ‘Drowning remains a serious and growing public health challenge in Wales. We have an accidental drowning rate more than double that of the UK as a whole and despite the best efforts of Water Safety Wales members and others, fatality numbers have increased slightly since the first Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy was published.
‘The launch of this strategy is an opportunity for us all in Wales to acknowledge that each of these deaths is a tragedy. They underscore the urgent need for collective action and the importance of renewing our efforts to prevent drowning.
‘Water Safety Wales believes one death is too many, we will reduce drowning if everyone plays their part and together, we can build a future with zero drownings where everyone in Wales can be safe in, on and around the water
‘We are so very grateful to have the support of families who have experienced their own personal tragedies and the support of Welsh Government. We also thank Water Safety Wales member organisations for supporting the fantastic water safety and drowning prevention work already making a real difference in Wales.’
The key aims of the strategy:
- To keep those affected by drowning at the heart of drowning prevention,
- To improve data on water incidents,
- To ensure every child and young person has a water safety education and can swim,
- To strengthen local drowning prevention partnerships across Wales,
- To ensure drowning prevention efforts remain responsive to changing weather patterns and emerging water-related risks,
- To champion safe and responsible enjoyment of open water in Wales
- To contribute to the reduction of water-related suicide.