Drowning Warning Ahead of First Heatwave of the Year

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has issued a warning ahead of the heatwave expected to hit parts of England over the weekend.

The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency have issued an alert which will be in place from 9am on Friday 9th June to 9am Monday 12th June. This comes as the UK has seen temperatures rise over the past few weeks and now with a heatwave expected, the UK will record its hottest day of 2023 so far this weekend.

After a number of recent drownings RLSS UK, the charity which shares its expertise in water safety, lifesaving and lifeguarding to educate everyone to enjoy water safely, wants to encourage everyone to take care whilst in or near the water this weekend.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said:

Devastatingly over the recent weeks we have seen a number of people, including many children, lose their lives when in or near the water. There is evidence that there is a link between warmer weather and increased number of accidental drownings, and we want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the vital knowledge to allow them to safely enjoy being in or around the water.

 

RLSS UK encourages families to speak with their children about water safety and to learn the Water Safety Code: Stop and think: look out for any dangers and read any signs and advice; Stay together: swim at a lifeguarded venue and always go with friends or family; in an emergency Call 999: ask for the Fire and Rescue Service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast and never enter the water to rescue anyone or anything; Float: if you fall in, stay calm and float on your back, or if you spot someone in trouble tell them to float and try to throw them something that floats.

RLSS UK has a number of free resources available HERE.