This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2014at 4:45 pm by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

On A Mission To Save Lives In The Water!

Around 400 people drown in the UK each year– that’s the equivalent of one person dying every 20 hours – and thousands more have near-drowning experiences.

These shocking statistics make drowning the 3rd biggest cause of accidental death in children in the UK! This is why Active Nation is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week and holding water safety events at many of our pools.

This year’s campaign, running from June 21-29, encourages schools, clubs, leisure centres and communities to come up with new and exciting ways to show people how they can have fun and stay safe around water. It is also adding to its usual audience of primary school-aged children by targeting 11 to 15-year-olds.

Last summer more than 30 people lost their lives to drowning in just seven weeks, many of them young men and boys, and it is hoped a new short film produced by the charity will help drive the message home to thrill seeking young people.

The families of two teenage boys who lost their lives in separate incidents are backing the campaign.

David Cullen tragically lost his life in Waterloo Lake, Roundhay Park, Leeds, on June 22nd 2005. His schoolmate, 15-year-old Christopher Copland, also drowned.

David’s sister Claire, 26, said: “We were all truly devastated the day David died. It is a day we will never forget. It was the hottest day of the year and it seemed like the longest day of our lives. It was so deeply distressing for everyone involved, and still is.

“We want to support Drowning Prevention Week as something has to be done to raise awareness of water safety and the dangers of lakes like the one in which we lost David, as well as other areas of water – all could take a life.”

Richard Fellows drowned on March 16th this year when he got into difficulties after swimming with two friends in a river pool that forms part of the River Arrow in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Richard’s dad, also Richard, said: “If he could warn people of the dangers, he would, which is why we want to raise awareness of our story through Drowning Prevention Week. If we can save just one life and prevent another family going through what we have it will be worth it.”

RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer added: “We all know water is fun and we do not want to scare young people from ever going near it. But it is important for them to know that frivolity can very quickly turn to fatality if great care is not taken.

“Young people often believe they are immortal and take unnecessary risks. We want to make them aware of dangers they may not have thought of and stop them from making blind decisions that could be life changing or even life ending.”

Give you nearest Active Nation pool a call to see what is happening in your area or ask about our Learn To Swim programme. For more information on Drowning Prevention Week and RLSS UK visit: www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk or www.rlss.org.uk