26/05/2023

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is encouraging people to take care this bank holiday weekend when around water after we have already seen a number of young people lose their lives to drowning this week.

As the weather forecast shows that the warm sunny weather is set to continue across the weekend and into next week, many people will take advantage of the longer weekend and head to the various waterways to enjoy the bank holiday. RLSS UK is issuing a warning to encourage everyone to ensure that their friends and family know how to safely enjoy being around the water to avoid any tragedies.  

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said “Sadly we see an increase in young men drowning in the summer months and we have tragically seen a number in the past few weeks during the warmer weather we have had. We don’t want to see any more families experience the devasting and sudden loss from drowning.  

“We urge people to consider what could happen, understand that the water is colder than it looks, and not take risks if they are not experienced with being in cold, open water. 

“Whether you are heading to the coast for the bank holiday weekend or even just planning a walk along a river, please ensure that you take precautions to ensure the safety of yourself of those you are with. We want everyone to enjoy the bank holiday but to so with water safety in mind.”  

The charity will be holding its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign next month between 17-24 June and already has a wealth of resources of available on their website to help families start the conversation around water safety with their children to ensure that they know what to do to stay safe around water and also what to do if they or someone else finds themselves in difficulty.  

Lee Heard added: “If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code: whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers; stay together when around water and always go with family and friends; in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast; and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.” 

Free water safety advice:

Water Safety Advice for Families

Summer Water Safety Advice

Water Safety Code 

Drowning Prevention Week 2023