It’s been a tragic start to the year

The charity is urging people to listen to water safety advice to help prevent any more people losing their lives after a number of people have drowned in varying circumstances.

The warning comes following the death of Dean Park, 43, who drowned after being swept out to sea while taking a stroll in Bridlington Harbour on Christmas Day. Lauren Henderson, 54, from Aberdeenshire drowned in the River Findhorn while Kayaking on 30 December. A 36-year-old man died after falling from a canoe and getting into difficulties in the River Garry near Invergarry on New Year’s Eve and an elderly man drowned after going into the sea at Portmellon, Cornwall, to help retrieve a ball for the family dog while out walking on New Year’s Day. Luke Miller, 27, from the Isle of Wright, was found dead in a swimming pool on the Thai Island of Koh Tao on 8 January and a 61-year-old British holidaymaker drowned in the resort of Callao Salvaje in the South of Tenerife.

RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer said: “It has been an extremely tragic start to the year. Any drowning is a tragedy but the number of people who have lost their lives over the Christmas period and in the New Year is not only extremely sad but extremely worrying. One drowning is one too many.

“People have lost their lives in a number of tragic circumstances which proves that water safety and knowledge is so, so important to help keep you safe, no matter where you are or what you are doing.”

The message also comes as the search continues for Manchester University student, Josh Caley, who is still missing and is believed to have drowned in the early hours of New Year’s Day. CCTV footage showed a man, who police believe must have been Josh, losing his balance and falling backwards into the harbour in the Isle of Man.

“Around 400 people needlessly die from drowning in the UK and thousands more suffer injury, some life-changing, through near-drowning experiences,” Di added.

“We want people to listen to our alert and take on board the safety messages we are issuing – advice that could mean the difference between life and death.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all the drowning victims at this difficult time. We sincerely hope that these are the last drowning tragedies. Please don’t become a statistic.”

Ensure you and your family know the SAFE code –

Spot – spot the dangers
Advice – follow safety signs and advice
Friend – stay close to a friend or family member
Emergency – shout for help and call 999 or 112