Drowning Prevention Week could save your life

With the summer months here, more people will be exploring our great waterways and enjoying the nice weather during the lighter nights with their friends or family on holiday, home or abroad.

Over the coming days, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) will deliver a nationwide water safety campaign entitled Drowning Prevention Week (15th-22nd June 2024) for a tenth year.

Shining an essential spotlight on the potential dangers of the water but also how to engage with it safely, the awareness week aims to provide as many people as possible with vital lifesaving knowledge to allow them to enjoy the water safely this summer.

During Drowning Prevention Week, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) will be working closely with its partners to try and help relay some of these important safety messages, including the RLSS Water Safety Code:

·         Stop and Think

·         Stay together

·         Call 999

·         Float

Tommy Richardson, TWFRS Water Safety Lead, said: "Drowning Prevention Week is an opportunity for everyone to stop and think about their relationship with water.  Most days, it will be our friend, but in some extreme situations, it becomes our foe. 

"The average water temperature here in the North East is approximately 10 to 13 degrees all year round, which means people will quickly feel the effects of cold water shock on their bodies.

"We strongly advise that people swim on a lifeguarded beach, between the red and yellow flags or indoors at a lifeguard-attended swimming pool.

"Always adhere to the Water Safety Code as it could ultimately help to save your life or the life of a loved one."

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: "With the warmer summer days on the horizon, we will inevitably see people flock to open water sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as taking opportunities to enjoy the water at home in the garden.

"We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy water this summer and beyond by having the knowledge to do so safely. The RLSS works to equip families with the appropriate skills and knowledge to stay safe in, on and around water."

Marc Morley, Director of Environmental Services at Sunderland City Council said: "We're backing RLSS Drowning Prevention week this week because while we're lucky to have beautiful beaches and waterways here in Sunderland, we want everyone who visits them to be able to enjoy them safely.

"If you're planning on swimming outdoors, the safest place to swim is between the flags on a lifeguarded beach. If you're new to open water swimming, joining an organised group is a great way to enjoy the sea in a safer way, where you can stay close to experienced open water swimmers."

All year round Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's prevention and education team visit schools, colleges, businesses and local community groups to provide invaluable water safety guidance and advice.

If you would like to find out more about water safety and arrange an educational visit, please visit: www.twfire.gov.uk.

Be safe this summer.