Drowning Prevention week 2023

Drowning prevention week 2023 will take place from 17 to 24 of June. With our beaches, lochs and rivers being so inviting it is not surprising that so many residents and visitors are keen to get on the water to cool off, have fun and explore. Whilst this is a fantastic idea the Water Safety forum are keen to enforce key messages to ensure everyone is safe this summer.

The message is simple – always follow the safety guidelines. Do not mix alcohol with activities involving water and be incredibly careful when using inflatable toys in the water, particularly in the sea, as they can very easily be pulled out by the current.

Key statistics

• There were 226 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2022: 105 of them during June, July, and August.
• Of the 226 fatalities, 151 were in England; 45 in Scotland; 22 in Wales; and 8 in Northern Ireland.
• Inland waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, with 60% of deaths.
• Males continue to be over-represented, with 83% of accidental fatalities.
• Recreational activities accounted for 58% of accidental fatalities.

We encourage everyone, either in groups or as individuals to visit Dumfries and Galloways beaches, walk across the hills following lochs and rivers, and why wouldn’t we when the landscape is so beautiful, and these activities are so good for our mental and physical health. However, being near water, even the smallest amount can be dangerous and Dumfries and Galloway Council, in partnership with the Water Safety Partnership, would encourage everyone heading out for the day to refresh their memories of the Water Safety Code. This information could save your life or the lives of others.

Councillor Ian Blake, the Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said “The work of the Water Safety Forum is extremely important, and the message is clear, please enjoy your time near or on water but do so safely. We do not want to discourage anyone from having fun this summer, far from it. The weather already this summer makes our beaches, lochs, and rivers even more inviting, but we need to remind people of the dangers, and encourage them to learn the skills needed to help prevent drownings. “

Councillor Jackie McCamon, the Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee said “Drowning incidents happen to even the strongest swimmers when conditions are dangerous, and not all these dangers can easily be seen, these include hidden currents and cold-water shock. Please be safe this summer and if you see someone you think is drowning or in any danger call 999 immediately.”

For more information about drowning prevention week please visit www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk.