RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

May 27, 2004
DROWNINGS DOWN – BUT BANK HOLIDAY DANGERS LOOM

The number of accidental drownings in the UK has fallen for the third year running, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident revealed today.

But as the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, RoSPA is concerned that tragedies will increase again unless people heed warnings to swim only at properly supervised swimming pools and beaches. Next weekend is traditionally a peak time for drownings.

The major problem remains with men from their mid-teens to mid-40s who cool off in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, ponds, canals and reservoirs.

The latest figures are for 2002. They show 427 people drowned compared with 430 in 2001 (when access to the countryside was restricted by the foot and mouth outbreak) and 448 in 2000. Figures are still being compiled for 2003, but provisional estimates for the heatwave period last summer show at least 153 people drowned in June, July and August, compared with an average of 135 in the same spell during recent years.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water Safety Manager, said: “We have been pleased to see a fall in the total number of drownings, but there are still far too many people dying unnecessarily. Inland water drownings were down to 251 in 2002 from 278 the previous year, but the summertime provisional figures for 2003 are a cause for concern. We don’t want to see numbers on the rise again.

“Whenever we have a hot spell, people take unnecessary risks in an effort to cool off. We are now at the time of year when drownings start to rise. Bank holiday weekends are when drownings peak. It is vital that people understand that water in this country remains extremely cold, even in very hot weather, and there are strong currents and hidden hazards, which can pull you down.

“Most of the victims are swimmers who overestimate their capabilities. They often die within a couple of minutes of entering the water and quite close to shore.”

Other statistics: Deaths among the under-15s remained static at 40 in 2002. There was also no increase in the eight under-fives who drowned in gardens ponds. Drownings in swimming pools rose from nine to 15. Deaths at sea and along the coast rose from 77 to 87, and there was an increase in drownings in the home from 35 to 42, mainly involving elderly people.