Over 200 people die accidentally each year in British and Irish waters – and more than half of those who drowned didn’t even plan to get wet …
The RNLI has launched a drowning prevention campaign which aims to reduce deaths by 50%. The ‘Respect the Water’ campaign coincides with the release of figures showing that 24 people died in Scotland’s coastal waters last year.
Over the past five years, an average of 35 people have drowned in Scotland and RNLI aims to halve the number of drownings by 2024.
Most of the deaths – almost a quarter – occurred when people slipped and fell into the water while walking and running. Other causes include people at work (14%), diving (13%), swimming and/or deliberately jumping into the sea (9%) and angling (6%).
RNLI lifeboat crews in Scotland saved 51 lives in 2014, and the charity has highlighted dangers which can be more common in Scotland.
After falling in, people can experience cold water shock or the effects of strong currents under the surface. There are also problems with slippery rocks, sudden waves or unstable ground.
RNLI coastal safety manager for Scotland Michael Avril said: “We want people to enjoy the water but to make sure they respect it.
“Around 35 lives are lost around Scotland’s coast each year but many of these losses could be avoided if people acknowledge the dangers and follow some basic safety advice.”
RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water’ campaign includes two films which will be shown in cinemas throughout the UK.
https://www.rnlivideolibrary.org.uk/getvideo.aspx?vid=QhMxynB6
http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=xL1O5RjR
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