Published on: 17 June 2021
The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), which British Marine is part of, is running a campaign this summer to raise awareness of being safe around the water. British Marine members are encouraged to engage with the campaign and promote the #RespectTheWater message in their business activity this summer.
Speaking with one voice: #RespectTheWater
Following a concerning increase in water-related deaths in 2020, over 50 organisations, for the first time, have issued coordinated water safety advice for those visiting and enjoying waterways and coastlines as part of the #RespectTheWater campaign. This joint campaign, run by the NWSF, aims to reduce the number of water-related deaths and accidents.
In a call to action, members of the NWSF are asking everyone to support and promote the national #RespectTheWater campaign, to reduce drowning this summer.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, comments: “As another summer season approaches, and more people than ever look set to take to the water during staycations, the NWSF have come together around the #RespectTheWater campaign to help prevent further deaths. I urge British Marine members to help educate and advise the public to understand the dangers and what must be done in an emergency.”
Supporting logos, hashtag information and brand guidelines can be found here.
The national campaign aims to provide simple lifesaving advice, which can help members of the public take personal responsibility for their own, and for their family’s safety by remembering these lifesaving tips:
1. If you get into trouble in the water, refer to Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
2. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
The collaborating members of the NWSF, come from a wide range of sectors including sports governing bodies, rescue services, charities, regulators, navigation and harbour authorities, local government, utilities and those representing quarry operators.
Read more for further information.