Summer drowning death toll hits 50 heading into August bank holiday
#GetWaterWise campaign sees figures highlighting another deadly summer in our waterways
The number of people who've died by accidental drowning across the UK this summer has hit 50.
Long, dry, sunny spells, combined with record temperatures has left people seeking ways to cool off in rivers, lakes, coasts and reservoirs.
Figures seen by our #GetWaterWise campaign, from ROSPA and the Royal Life Saving Society show since the start of June 50 fatalities have taken place where accidental drowning is the suspected cause of death.
Drowning death toll expected to rise
There are fears the number of deaths could be higher, as investigations continue into a number of incidents
Stats show it's been a tragic summer in our waterways
- 13 deaths recorded in June
- 27 deaths recorded in July as schools break up and record temperatures soared
- 10 death recorded up until mid-August, with further numbers expected to be added
In 2021 Greatest Hits Radio teamed up with the Royal Life Saving Society to launch #GetWaterWise, and highlight tragic incidents happening up and down the country.
READ MORE: Campaigners call for better water safety advice in schools
Ahead of last year's August Bank Holiday, we teamed up with radio stations across the country to broadcast the #GetWaterWise Minute, where bereaved families shared their stories as a warning of the dangers of open water.
Mum's plea for better education
Throughout the campaign we've been hearing from Beckie Ramsay, whose son Dylan drowned in a quarry more than 10 years ago.
Beckie has tirelessly campaigned ever since for better water safety education to be given in schools, and clear signage around dangerous water.
She's calling for images of those who've died in water to be shown publicly so people can understand the dangers they face, and has already placed images of her son close to the spot where he died.
#GetWaterWise before heading into the water
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “It is extremely sad and concerning that we are currently seeing such a high number of drownings occurring in the UK.
"We understand that people may want to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the various waterways that we are lucky to have here, but we would urge everyone to ensure they have the right knowledge around water safety and follow some simple safety tips if they are heading to the water.
“Many people underestimate the dangers surrounding open water from cold water shock, to potential obstacles under the surface, as well as strong currents. If you and your family are planning on heading to the water, we would encourage you to follow some simple tips.”
Follow the RLSS advice to stay safe in open water
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.
Meanwhile, Simon Haycock's 16-year-old son Sam drowned at the Ulley Reservoir in Rotherham last year.
He's also backing the calls to get the photos & stories of drowning victims put up across open water sites:
"I'm more than happy for Sam's story to be put up around these waterways because I don't want it to happen to somebody else.
"If by reading Sam's story, someone stops and thinks again about going in the open water, then that's fantastic.
"Having the faces out there on signs could hopefully make people realise that it could happen to them if they take that chance.
"These people who die in the open water are real people, with real families. The photos could help to get that message across."
In response, Rotherham Council’s Head of Creative Programming and Entertainment, Leanne Buchan told us:
“The Council has undertaken a significant amount of work to improve water safety across the borough’s open water sites, including increased patrols and engagement work.
We work closely with the families of victims and use their memory in different ways, where appropriate and with consent, to inform others about the importance of water safety.
We have found that working with schools to educate pupils and working with partners such as South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue has been the most effective deterrent.”
You can read more about Sam Haycock's story in the article below: