East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service announces important collaboration for World Drowning Prevention Day 2023
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July 2023. 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.
Key statistics
(taken from National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) WAter Incident Database (WAID))
- There were 226 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2022: 105 of them during June, July and August.
- Of the 226 fatalities, 151 were in England; 45 in Scotland; 22 in Wales; and 8 in Northern Ireland.
- Inland waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, with 60% of deaths.
- Males continue to be over-represented, with 83% of accidental fatalities.
- Recreational activities accounted for 58% of accidental fatalities.
- Inland open waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries continue to be the leading locations with 62 per cent of death
- Males continue to over represent with 83 per cent of deaths
- 40 per cent people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves
WHO is inviting countries and partners to respond to the call to action for global drowning prevention. For example:
Do one thing - If you’re not yet involved in drowning prevention, just do one thing to support.
Improve one thing - If you’ve already started to work in your area on drowning prevention, then improve one thing.
Add one thing - If you’re deeply engaged with drowning prevention, add one thing – there’s always more that can be done.
Water Safety Education Collaboration
East Sussex Fire and Service is proud to announce its collaboration with water safety advocate Robbie Jones to raise awareness about water safety and honour the memory of his late father and family dog, who tragically lost their lives to drowning in East Sussex in 2021. While the Fire Service did not attend the incident, they recognised the importance of supporting Robbie’s cause and have joined forces with him to make a positive impact in the community.
Robbie brings a personal and powerful perspective to the issue of water safety, having experienced firsthand the devastating consequences of drowning. Through this collaboration, Robbie will work closely with our engagement team to visit schools and engage with students, sharing his story and delivering crucial messages on water safety. Additionally, Robbie will be featured in a video produced by the service, which will serve as an educational resource for schools and the wider community.
UK NFCC Drowning prevention lead, NWSF Chair and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Whittaker said: "We are deeply saddened by Robbie's loss and admire his courage and determination to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Water safety is a crucial issue, and this World Drowning Prevention Day, and through our partnership with Robbie, we hope to reach as many people as possible with life-saving information and inspire responsible actions around water."
Robbie Jones said: “Water safety education is so important because it is so easy to take sensible precautions. Being in the water is fun and enjoyable but we must take care and limit risks. Doing this is easy and straightforward and could potentially save a life. I don’t want anyone to go through what me and family have been through. My Dad was a confident swimmer, but he still lost his life to the water. The sea really is a force of nature.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service encourages the community, schools, and local organisations to support their joint efforts and World Drowning Prevention Day by actively participating in and promoting water safety. By working together, we can reduce the number of water-related accidents and create an enjoyable and safe environment for all.
What can you do to stay safe?
- 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 river banks 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 make you breathe in water
Useful links:
For more information and advice visit: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)