The RYA is proud to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Drowning Prevention Day. The annual event is an important opportunity to raise awareness of drowning prevention amongst the global community.
This year, WHO is calling on everyone to ‘do one thing,’ ‘improve one thing,’ or ‘add one thing’ to improve their safety around water. Whether visiting a canal, lake, river, or coastline, we all have a role to play in keeping safe near water.
In 2022, 226 water-related accidental fatalities were reported in UK waters by the Royal Life Saving Society UK. 60% of fatalities reported occurred along stretches of inland waterways.
If you see someone struggling in the water, fight your instincts to get in the water and attempt to help. Instead:
Call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast, ask for the Coastguard; if you are inland, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
Tell them to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats.
As part of the RYA’s support for World Drowning Prevention Day, the RYA is encouraging all boat users to refresh their knowledge on choosing and fitting personal floatation devices (PFD). The RYA recommendation is that all boat users wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid unless they are completely sure they don’t need to. New ‘how-to’ videos and updated guidance on wearing a PFD can be found on the RYA Safety Hub.
You can support the day by following #DrowningPrevention social media.
For safety advice on keeping yourself and your friends and family safe on the water, visit the RYA Safety Hub.
