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Troon RNLI Water Safety Team supports World Drowning Prevention Day Event

Lifeboats News Release

Today, Saturday 25 July 2026, is World Drowning Prevention (WDP) Day and is a day that aims to raise awareness of the public health issue of drowning and promote life-saving measures worldwide.

RNLI/TroonLifeboat

Emergency Service Partners at Troon South Beach
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Yesterday, Friday 24 July 2026, at South Beach Troon, our RNLI Water Safety Team joined with South Ayrshire Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team for a Water Safety awareness event.

Troon Lifeboat volunteer Water Safety Officer Vince McWhirter said, ‘Tragically the number of inland and coastal drownings remain high. This World Drowning Prevention Day, we gathered at Troon South Beach to highlight water safety to all ages. With recent good weather, we expect that the coastal and inland waterways will continue to be busy over the summer holidays and we want everyone to enjoy their time but to also remember our vital safety advice.

'Whether you’re heading out for a day of sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing, the right kit can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Before you head out, think about a correctly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid as well as a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or another suitable means of calling for help.

‘Also take note of the weather and tidal conditions and be prepared for changes in the weather which can occur quite quickly. Along Ayrshire beaches look out for the orange windsocks, which gives you wind direction, and don’t launch when its offshore winds. Please also don't use inflatables at the coast as strong offshore winds can also carry them away from the beach, leaving those on board vulnerable and unable to return safely.

‘If you do 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.

‘If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble at sea or along the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

For more information visit:

RNLI/TroonLifeboat

Spotting the Dangers at the World Drowning Prevention Day Event
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Limond, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Andrew Limond
Lifeboat Press Officer, Troon Lifeboat Station

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