THE dangers of drowning during activities in or near water are the focus of a life-saving awareness campaign next week.

Statistics show drowning in the UK in now one of the leading causes of accidental death. In 2016, 315 people in Britain accidentally drowned, with around 50% taking part in normal everyday activities near water at the time such as walking or running.

Merseyside Fire Service, in conjunction with Merseyside Police, Southport Lifeboat, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Royal Life Saving Society, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Mersey Ferries will help deliver a series of briefings and demonstrations to children from local schools at locations such as the Pier Head in Liverpool and on the Mersey Ferry as part of the campaign.

These events will include a live demonstration of a rescue from water at the Mersey Ferry Terminal as well as a multi-agency water rescue display at Southport and an educational event in Hoylake.

Steve Peng, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service station manager and lead for water safety Steve Pang, said: "The latest figures showing water linked fatalities make shocking reading and demonstrate just how serious the risks are for people who go near to or into water.

"Nearly 50% of people who accidently drown in the UK never intended to enter the water originally so it imperative that you are aware of the risks and take action accordingly.

"Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are called out to incidents involving rescue from water on a frequent basis.

"Some of these are people who have deliberately entered the water, either in a distressed state or possibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs but many people do so accidentally.

"We would urge people engaging in activities near water such as running, dog walking or angling to be especially careful to stay safe.

"If you are involved in water sports or activities, make sure that you are well prepared, with the correct safety equipment and a good idea of weather conditions.

"If you have been for a night out, bear in mind that if you have been drinking, your judgement of risk may be affected, take a safe route home away from water."

During water safety week, MFRS will be giving advice to people on what they should look out for and steps to take to minimise the risks near water.

Safety advice includes the following tips: 

 

  • If you are going for a walk or run near water stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge
  • Make sure conditions are safe, avoid walking or running near water in the dark, slippery or in bad weather
  •  If you've had alcohol don't enter the water, avoid walking alone and avoid routes near water
  • Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal - always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available
  • If you are spending time near water - whether at home or abroad make sure you are familiar with local safety information

Steve added: "By highlighting this issue and making sure simple safety messages reach them we hope to reduce the number of these needless deaths.

"The fire service has successfully reduced the number of fire deaths by focussing on prevention work and now we must apply the same principle to tackling drowning.

"Response is not enough - we must prevent drownings."