The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the Drowning Prevention Charity, is warning UK runners and walkers to stay safe near bodies of water as they are most at risk of accidental drowning. 

The charity has launched its national Runners and Walkers awareness campaign today (20 February) for the third year running, from 20 – 26 February, warning the public to be extra careful around water.

Latest figures show on average around 40 per cent of all drowning victims were running or walking* and never intended on being in the water.

The charity will be pushing awareness messages through social media, with the hashtag #JustOneSlip. People will be encouraged to share the charity’s posts to help save lives.

Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive, said: “If you are running or walking next to bodies of water, whether this could be keeping fit, walking the dog, a family walk or a journey home from the pub or a night out, be aware of your surroundings and please be extra vigilant and stay well clear of bank edges. These are often unstable and this can create slips, trips and falls and always let someone know where you are going.

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

RLSS UK’s advice:

• Be aware of your surroundings and take notice of any warning signs when out and about
• When running or walking next to open water, stay well clear of bank edges. They are often unstable and this can create slips, trips and falls
• Try to always walk or run with a friend
• Always let someone know where you’re going – take your mobile phone
• Learn to swim and lifesaving skills

 

Check out the RLSS UK Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to follow and support the campaign and help us spread awareness to save lives.

For more information on RLSS UK’s Runners and Walkers campaign and the safety steps you can take –

Follow us on Twitter – @RLSSUK

Visit our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RLSSUK

Join our LinkedIn page – @rlssuk

Follow the campaign – #JustOneSlip

Call – 0300 323 0096