Safety experts have urged anyone out for a waterside walk this Christmas to be alert to the dangers of drowning.
A leading charity has warned people not to drink alcohol by water as it pushes the Government to take bold action to tackle drowning deaths.
Few people might think of venturing into water on a cold day during the Christmas season – but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warns that “one of the greatest dangers when it comes to drowning is people accidentally falling into the water while doing everyday activities such as walking, cycling, or running near water”.
Rospa’s Carlene McAvoy stated that nearly half of people who drowned in the UK last year “had no intention of being in the water”. Nearly two-thirds of fatalities in England (64 per cent) occurred inland.
Emma Dudley, Rospa’s water safety development manager, added: “If you are out on a winter walk over the Christmas holidays, then make sure you keep away from the water’s edge as the water is cold and entering the water could result in cold water shock.”
The charity is pushing for the “urgent” appointment of a “drowning prevention minister” at the heart of Government.
The National Water Safety Forum describes drowning as a “silent epidemic” which claimed nearly 600 lives in the UK last year and more than 300,000 globally in 2021. It salutes the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland for Wales assigning responsibility for drowning prevention to a “named government minister” and wants the UK Government to do likewise.
Professor Mike Tipton, who chairs the forum, said last week: “It’s time for the UK Government to recognise drowning prevention as a critical public health priority. Effective prevention requires leadership, funding, and collaboration across science, safety, and rescue.”
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 30 people on average drown every hour. It states that nearly half of all drowning deaths “occur among people below the age of 29 years, and a quarter occur among children under the age of five years”.
A Government spokesman said: “Agencies across Government work closely to ensure that people can enjoy our beaches, coast, rivers and lakes while staying alert to risks and taking precautions where necessary.”
