Parents are being urged to make their house water safe this spring as part of the UK’s drowning prevention charity’s campaign.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK’s) Spring Clean Campaign warns parents to check their home for drowning risks as part of their spring clean routine and follow simple water safety advice.

Recorded drownings show that 42 children aged 0-4 years old have drowned in their own home or garden in the last five years*, with around 400 people drowning on average in the UK every year.

The Spring Clean campaign, running from 3 to 10 April, promotes water safety messages on social media and the media.

It is supported by RLSS UK ambassador Lucy Herd from Berkshire, who’s 23-month-old son Jack tragically drowned in their garden pond in August 2010.

She said: “I’ve decided to back this vital campaign again this year as I strongly believe that listening to RLSS UK’s water safety advice could prevent the loss of precious lives.

“Since losing Jack, I have been supporting RLSS UK in the delivery of water safety and drowning prevention messages to raise awareness of the dangers of water, particularly in the home.

“It only takes a split second for a tragedy to happen. Losing Jack has affected everyone in his life. I don’t want any more children to drown like Jack did.”

Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive, said: “Even one child drowning at home is too many. These are preventable deaths and we need to keep shouting about the importance of home water safety.”

“Drowning can happen very quickly and in less than 2cm of water, so filled bath tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous. There is a real risk of drowning in the home and garden.

“We would ask people to support the campaign and follow our simple advice to help ensure they and their families stay safe.”

One person dies every 20 hours in the UK and drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK. Thousands more suffer injury, some life-changing, through near-drowning experiences.

RLSS UK believes that the majority of drownings are preventable. Make sure that you and your loved-ones are not counted in next year’s drowning figures by following RLSS UK’s water safety advice for around the home.

RLSS UK’s advice:

• Empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used. Always turn paddling pools upside down once empty
• Securely cover all water storage tanks and drains
• Always pull out the plug
• Never leave children unattended at bath time. Empty the bath as soon as possible after use
• Always put the bath plug up high and out of reach
• Always keep the bathroom door shut
• Always use self-closing gates, fences and locks to prevent children from gaining access to pools of water

If you’re taking part in our campaign, let us know on Twitter @RLSSUK #SpringClean and help us spread awareness to save lives.

If you have been affected my drowning and need further support, RLSS UK can fund counselling sessions. Please phone Porcha Treanor on 01789 774495.

*Stats taken from the WAID National Water Safety Forum reports.