Accidental drownings across East Anglia prompt safety warning
2 people died across Norfolk and Suffolk last year and our Get Water Wise campaign returns to warn of the dangers
Last updated 18th May 2023
We're being warned about the dangers of inland water as new stats show that 60% of all water deaths in 2022 happened inland.
In total 597 people died in UK waters last year, including one in Norfolk and one in Suffolk, with 226 of those deaths being accidental drownings.
That's nineteen fewer deaths than in 2021, but the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) say the numbers are still unacceptably high.
They also say there's particular concern with the numbers of people dying after getting into difficulty in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries.
Men in the summer at highest risk
Almost half (46%) of all UK accidental drownings last year took place in the summer months of June, July and August, when the hot weather led to many people taking a swim in local lakes, rivers and reservoirs.
The statistics from 2021 also showed that it was mostly men who died in these summer accidents - 83% of the accidental drowning victims during this time were male.
Respect the Water
The National Water Safety Forum has provided life-saving advice that can help keep you and your family safe.
Their advice is to remember the Call Tell Throw message if someone is in trouble in the water this summer:
- Call 999 – ask for Fire & Rescue if inland or the Coastguard if by the sea
- Tell the struggling person to try to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats
#GetWaterWise
Two years ago we launched our own #GetWaterWise campaign to try and highlight the issue of accidental drownings and try and prevent further tragedies.
Our campaign is raising awareness of the risks posed by entering open water, and what safety tips you need if you see someone who is struggling in the water.
In 2022 we went to Parliament with the Royal Life Saving Society to speak with MPs who wanted to raise the issue in government, and our #GetWaterWise minute was played on radio stations across the country, along with Greatest Hits Radio, to provide a platform for families who've lost loved ones to speak directly to listeners about their experience.
Here are some top tips to keep you and your family safe in open water this summer:
#GetWaterWise - tips to stay safe over Summer
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.