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Why Water Safety Matters
Unfortunately, every year in the UK over 400 people will lose their life to drowning
Water Safety Matters works to support the National Water Safety forum target of reducing accidental drowning fatalities in the UK by 50% by 2026.
To reduce these fatalities everyone needs to know how to make safe informed decisions before making any decisions to enter the water. The water can be unpredictable and knowing how to remain calm could be the difference between life and death, even if you have chosen to go into the water
75% of fatal drownings in the UK occur at inland water sites, with 15% at coastal sites and less than 10% at pools or in residential settings.
Water Safety Matters is working to help ensure:
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Every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and receive water safety education at primary school and where required at Key Stage 3
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Every community with water risks should have a community-level risk assessment and water safety plan
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To better understand water-related self-harm
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Increase awareness of everyday risks in, on and around the water
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All recreational activity organisations should have a clear strategic risk assessment and plans that address key risks.
The World Health Organisation reports the following statistics
Water Safety Matters takes a proactive approach into creating accessible, enjoyable yet content packed programmes of water safety training to prevent problems or ensure people know what to do if there is a problem.
Our training helps people enjoy the water by following the Water Safety Code
How to Spot Dangers
Spotting the dangers means making safe decisions. Have you thought about the water temperature? What will you wear? How long will you be in the water? Have you got warm clothes, food and a drink for when you get out? Is there a tide, what lies under the water? These are all important questions to ask yourself.
How to Float to Live
Floating is the most important life skill you can master when it comes to the water. You may choose to go into the water and it's colder than expected or worst case scenario find yourself in water unexpectedly. Float on your back, make a star shape, look up to the sky, relax and try to remain calm. It may take up to 90 seconds before you can control your breathing.
How to Call For Help
Call 999, if you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are at an inland site ask for the fire and rescue service.