Today (July 25th) is World Drowning Prevention Day.
Anyone can get into difficulty in the water, even if they are a strong swimmer.
Every year people drown in Lancashire. On average there are 50 of these tragedies every year in the UK.
It is very important to respect the water and be mindful that the worst can happen at any time. If you are entering the water and find yourself struggling, remember: float to live. By lying flat on your back and remaining as calm as possible, you can stay afloat and able to breathe for longer.
The theme for this year’s World Drowning Day event is ‘Find Your Float’ which focuses on encouraging people to learn how to stay safe near water, how to float, recognising that we all float differently, and giving people the confidence to deal with difficult situations in the water.
It’s a lifesaving skill and having the confidence to float in a life-or-death situation could make all the difference.
To stay safe:
Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
Swim with others, never alone. Swim within your depth, stay within your depth
Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage, be vigilant for incoming tides that can cause strandings
Be aware of rip currents - strong currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers out to sea
When on the water, always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid
Let someone ashore know of your plans and return time.
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, Float to Live:
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Relax and try to breathe normally
Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
It is OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
This advice is useful to everyone and has helped save the lives of more than 50 people in all sorts of situations.
From children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, from people swept out by waves, to fisherman falling overboard. Around half those who accidentally drown every year had no intention to enter the water.
A recent RNLI survey revealed that nearly 1 in 3 people in the UK still do not know what to do if they unexpectedly get into difficulty in the water, hopefully this advice will prove very useful to anyone visiting the coast this summer and beyond.
It is very important to respect the water and be mindful that the worst can happen at any time. If you are entering the water and find yourself struggling, remember: float to live. By lying flat on your back and remaining as calm as possible, you can stay afloat and able to breathe for longer.
A video produced by the RNLI shows how cold water shock can quickly take hold, and why it helps to respect the water and float to live.
More information is available on the RNLI website and on the Lancashire Fire and Rescue website.
