East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) joins the global community in recognising World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July 2024. Led by the World Health Organization, the day aims to raise awareness on drowning as a public health issue, reminding people that anyone can drown, but no one should.
Understanding the Issue
Drowning remains a critical global public health concern, claiming the lives of approximately 235,600 individuals annually and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years (statistics from World Health Organization).
In the UK alone, there were 236 accidental drownings reported in 2023, with more dying at inland waters than at the coast, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures (statistic from National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) Water Incident Database (WAID)).
Education and collaboration with Robbie Jones
Earlier this year, representatives from ESFRS, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the RNLI produced a powerful film in which Robbie Jones shares his heart-wrenching story of losing his dad, Gareth, to the sea in January 2021.
We contacted schools across East Sussex, Brighton & Hove with an offer to visit with Robbie and highlight the film, promoting water safety, and drowning prevention to their students.
5 schools took up the offer and, in June and July, over 2775 pupils have listened to Robbie’s story and received vital water safety education including practical advice on how to keep safe and what to do in and emergency on, in and near water.
Drowning has a devastating impact on families, friends, and communities. Some individuals survive drowning events, but many are left with life changing injuries.
Susan Taylor, Partnership & Engagement Manager said:
“Water safety education is vital and, in some instances, could be a child’s only opportunity to learn about the water. At ESFRS, we believe that water safety education should be accessible to all. In an ideal world, every child would learn to swim however, as this is not the case, Robbie’s story is an excellent, impactful, addition to our water safety education offering meaning, while there may be barriers to accessing water, every child can still benefit from water safety education.”
UK NFCC Drowning prevention lead, NWSF Chair and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Whittaker said:
"We are proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day once again this year. By working together with schools and the community, we can significantly reduce water-related accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone."
Find out more about Robbie’s story here: Robbie's Story | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
Staying Safe Around Water
As families and individuals enjoy summer activities around water, ESFRS emphasises the following safety tips:
- If you are going out on your own, let someone know where you are going and when you are coming back.
- Obey any warning or safety signs.
- Look out for trip or slip hazards around water and stick to proper pathways.
- Remember riverbanks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way.
- Don’t fool around near water, especially if you have been drinking – look out for each other and call 999 immediately if you see someone in trouble.
- The RNLI advises you to "Float to Live" if you do fall in - floating to give your body time to get over "cold water shock" which can help you breathe better in water.
For more advice and information on water safety and drowning prevention, visit: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
Get Involved
ESFRS encourages the community to participate actively in World Drowning Prevention Day. Here are just some ideas:
- Sharing water safety advice with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Wear something blue and add show your support on socials.
- Support local drowning prevention charities or groups.
- Sign up for swimming lessons.
Other useful links:
World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 (who.int) – World Health Organization Drowning Prevention Day 2024
#DrowningPrevention Day | National Water Safety Forum – National Water Safety Forum World Drowning Prevention Day campaign
Respect The Water - #RespectTheWater is the national campaign for members of the NWSF.
