RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

June 10, 2004
MORE DROWNINGS FEARED AS HOT WEATHER CONTINUES

Following a week of drowning tragedies and with more hot weather forecast over the weekend, RoSPA is urging people wanting to cool off to go to a supervised swimming pool or supervised beach.

At least three youngsters have drowned in the last few days and the Society fears there will be more deaths unless people heed the warnings not to swim in inland open waters such as ponds, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and canals.

During last summer’s heat-wave 153 people drowned in June, July and August, compared with an average of 135 in the same spell during recent years. More than 250 people in the UK drown in inland waters each year.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water Safety Manager, said: “The drownings this week are a terrible reminder to everyone not to risk their lives in unsupervised water. Even on these very hot days, the water remains extremely cold and there are hidden hazards and currents, which are treacherous to swimmers or children playing.

“Often those who die are swimmers who overestimate their capabilities. They are usually males from their mid-teens to mid-40s. They can drown within a couple of minutes of entering the water and quite close to shore.

“We appreciate people want to enjoy themselves by the water, but it is not worth risking your life for a quick dip. Parents also need to warn their children about the danger of playing near the water’s edge.”

This week a 12-year-old boy drowned in the River Clyde in Scotland after slipping from a rope swing; a 16-year-old from the West Midlands died trying to rescue a friend who was in trouble; and a 16-year-old from Dorset drowned after an incident on a river.