The MSP for Stirling is urging residents to take extra care around water this Summer as figures show the majority of drownings happen between May and August. The reminder comes one week before World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th, a day dedicated to highlighting the dangers of drowning and promoting lifesaving safety practices.
Figures from the UK Royal Life Saving Society show that 49% of accidental drownings take place during peak summer months between May and August, and with more than 30,000 freshwater lochs and a huge coastline of than 11,800km, Scotland has increased opportunities for access to water.
The latest data from the National Water Safety Forum show that there were 47 accidental drownings in Scotland and 236 throughout the UK in 2023. Figures also show that 4 in 10 of Scotland’s accidental drownings happened when the person had no intention of entering the water. Instead they were participating in healthy and beneficial everyday activities such as walking, jogging or cycling.
Evelyn Tweed MSP for Stirling is now calling for greater awareness of the dangers of water activities and what to do in an emergency.
Evelyn Tweed said; “Stirling is blessed with a large number of lochs and rivers which are hugely popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. But the sad reality is that drownings in Scotland always increase during the summer months and with cold water temperatures and expected currents, even the most experienced of swimmers can get into trouble.”
“As a nation with so many natural water ways on our doorstep, raising awareness of water safety and improving understanding of what to do in an emergency is really important. We want to actively encourage people to take part in water-related activities in a safe and enjoyable manner
“Always check for safety signage, avoid alcohol when out in the water and be aware of cold water shock and what to do in an emergency. In May RNLI’s ‘float to survive’ campaign highlighted some very useful information that could save a life, so I encourage everyone who’s out and about near water this Summer to check out these resources.”
Key Water Safety Tips:
- Always Supervise Children: Never leave children unattended near water. Even shallow water can be dangerous.
- Wear Life Jackets: When boating or participating in water sports, always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
- Beware of Cold Water Shock: Even in summer, the water in lochs and rivers, can be extremely cold, which can lead to cold water shock. Enter the water slowly to allow your body to acclimate.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid water activities in adverse weather conditions. Strong winds and rain can create hazardous situations.
- Swim in Designated Areas: Only swim in areas that are known to be safe and where there is a lifeguard on duty.
- Understand Currents and Tides: Be aware of the water conditions, including currents and tides, which can change rapidly.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents. Research from the National Water Safety Forum indicates that among those aged 16-25 who lost their lives to accidental drowning, 44% had alcohol and/or drugs in their bloodstream. Many of them drowned because they walked home alone and fell into the water.
ENDS
Photo: Loch Lubnaig
For more info about Water Safety Scotland go to https://watersafetyscotland.org.uk/
ABOUT WORLD DROWNING PREVENTING DAY
World Drowning Prevention Day takes place on the 25th of July. Celebrated annually on this date, the day is dedicated to raising awareness about drowning prevention, promoting water safety, and highlighting the importance of taking measures to prevent drowning incidents. It’s a crucial opportunity to educate communities, share lifesaving information, and encourage proactive steps to enhance water safety for all.
World Drowning Prevention Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to draw attention to the significant global issue of drowning, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, particularly among children and young people. This day aims to promote effective drowning prevention strategies, such as swimming lessons, proper supervision, safe water practices, and the use of life jackets. By increasing awareness and taking action, we can save lives and reduce the risk of drowning.
ABOUT FLOAT TO LIVE CAMPAIGN
The RNLI launched its 2024 Float to Live campaign in the last week of May. The campaign is underpinned by joint research with the University of Portsmouth, which highlights that everyone floats differently depending on factors including experience, practice, and the type of open water environment, e.g. freshwater vs salt water, moving water vs still water. The campaign has been independently tested using focus groups to ensure the message is understood clearly by people from different genders, background, ages and communities, so it should be useful to everyone, both inland and around the coast. Various free resources are available to download from the RNLI website if you’d like to support the campaign. This includes a compelling Float to Live video, inspiring stories about how
