RNLI reminder to stay safe at the coast this World Drowning Prevention Day
• RNLI lifeguards in the North and East Regions attended 1,049 incidents and saved 8 lives last year • World Drowning Prevention Day is an official UN global awareness day coordinated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which takes place on the 25 July
Today (Thursday 25 July 2024) marks World Drowning Prevention Day and the RNLI is reminding everyone in the North and East heading to the coast to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. The charity is sharing its lifesaving safety advice as school children across the country enjoy the start of the summer holidays, with the coast predicted to be incredibly busy.
Figures released by the RNLI show that 83% of the UK adult population (aged 16-64) expect to visit the coast this summer, and 40% expect to go three times or more[1].
Figures from the RNLI reveal that lifeguards in the North and East regions attended 1,049 incidents and saved 8 lives across the country last year[2]. RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling around 245 beaches this summer to offer advice on how to stay safe and they are also there to help anyone who gets into trouble.
236 people accidentally died in water related fatalities in 2023, ten more than in 2022 but in line with the five-year average. Of the 236 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2023; 20 occurred in July and 21 in August, reinforcing how important it is to stay safe at the coast over the summer.[3]
Bob Taylor, Bridlington volunteer RNLI Water Safety Officer said: “On World Drowning Prevention Day we want to remind everyone that visiting a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags can make a lifesaving difference. We know the coast is going to be incredibly busy over the summer holidays and we want everyone to enjoy their time but to also remember our vital safety advice.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
A full list of RNLI lifeguarded beaches can be found here
Visit RNLI.org/float2024 for more information.
Media contacts
For further information contact [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
[1] Basis Research RNLI water safety Pre campaign survey 2024. Based on the UK population mid-2022 - 67,596,281 people (https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/bulletins/annualmidyearpopulationestimates/mid2022
[2] RNLI statistics
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.