Beachgoers warned about accidental drowning risk

Lifesavers in the South East are warning people heading to the beach this summer to be aware of the risk of accidental drowning.

Susan Taylor, from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS), said: "We are urging people to swim in safe, local spaces, preferably where lifeguards are on duty.

"Don't swim alone and don't consume alcohol before you swim."

Robbie Jones, whose father Gareth drowned in January 2021 after trying to rescue his pet dog who had been swept out to sea in Hove, said: "If you have any hesitation about the water, don't go in."

Since his father's death, Jones has dedicated much of his time to raising awareness about the dangers of drowning, including visiting schools to teach children about the risks.

He said: "If you do go in using water equipment take a waterproof mobile phone case so if you are struggling you can call somebody."

ESFRS is working with The National Water Safety Forum which launched the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy in 2016 with the aim of reducing accidental drowning deaths by 50% by 2026.

At the start of the strategy, accidental drownings in the UK were estimated at approximately 350–400 deaths per year but that figure has now stabilised to 200-260 deaths per year.

Taylor said: "The key message is the drownings are preventable, it's all about being prepared."

Jones said his father's death shows that accidental drownings can happen to anyone, anywhere.

"The summer is coming and people want to have fun in the water, it's not about spoiling that fun, it's about keeping you and your family safe," he said.

Guy Addington, RNLI water safety lead for the South East, said people must remember to float if they get into difficulty.

"It's really important to remember the float to live message," Addington said.

"Even on a hot day UK waters can be very cold and instead of succumbing to the panic and cold water shock response, try to relax and float on your back.

"Submerge your ears and the back of your head in the water and that will promote a good airway position."

RNLI advice is for people not to go into the water if they see somebody struggling but to call 999 and ask for the coastguard or fire and rescue service if they are inland.

"You can try and find an object nearby that floats and throw that into the water for the person to hold onto," Addington added.

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