“It only takes one person.”

The UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, issues urgent safety warning to British citizens at home and abroad, as the hot weather is set to return this week.

• It only takes one person to pause for thought before jumping in.
• It only takes one person to know what to do in an emergency.
• It only takes one person to raise the alarm.
• It only takes one person to drown, leaving family and friends heartbroken.

Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity, is urging the general public to stay safe around water as recent media reports indicate, that at least five people have lost their lives in drowning incidents, over the last few days.

Figures reveal that up to 50% of primary school aged children in England, leave school without being able to swim the minimum standard of 25 metres. Many more can swim but still lack confidence and an awareness of water safety.

Di Steer, CEO RLSS UK said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends of families of the victims of the recent drownings. We recognise that these tragedies increase in good weather but with the unprecedented heatwave, the figures are heartbreakingly high.

We understand how tempting it is to cool off in the nearest body of water and we don’t want to stop people having fun. All we ask is that people take some simple, quick precautions to help keep them, their families and their friends safe.

The ‘Water Safety Code’, has been developed as part of our tireless education work, to try and prevent these avoidable tragedies.

I’d like to encourage members of the public to be each other’s lifeguards, at home and on holiday.

It only takes one person, to make a difference and stop good times going bad.”

WATER SAFETY CODE

Whenever you are around water:

STOP AND THINK
Look for the dangers. Always read the signs.

STAY TOGETHER
Never swim alone. Always go with friends or family. Only swim where there is a lifeguard.

In an emergency:

CALL 999 OR 112
Shout for help and phone 999 or 112.

FLOAT
If you fall in, float or swim on your back. Throw something that floats, to anyone who has fallen in the water.

For more information on water safety: rlss.org.uk/water-safety Or to find lifesaving skills courses near you, for you and family members visit rlssdirect.co.uk/course-finder