World Drowning Prevention Day 2023

World Drowning Prevention Day 2023

World Drowning Prevention Day is held annually on 25 July to highlight the impact of drownings on families and communities and to share lifesaving advice and guidance. 

This year, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting a Water Safety Awareness Day at Cardiff Bay Barrage on World Prevention Day to educate the public on how to prevent drowning. 

The event is in association with the Coastguard, RNLI and South Wales Police. 

More information about World Drowning Prevention Day is available here. 

 

Below are key statistics provided by Water Safety Wales WAID regarding the 2022 Drowning Fatality Report Wales: 

  • Four people under 20 died in accidental drownings in Wales in 2022 – the highest number since comparable data became available from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database (WAID) in 2015 
  • There were 22 accidental fatalities  
  • 91% of accidental fatalities were male 
  • Males 10 -19 were the highest group for accidental fatalities 
  • Recreational activities accounted for 72% of accidental fatalities 
  • 28% of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves. 
  • 46% of the drowning deaths in Wales happened in the months of June, July and August. 

Water Safety Wales will continue working to reduce drowning across the country, and by following the aims set out in Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026, we can all help people visiting and living in Wales be safer. 

 

In an emergency, you should: 

  • Ring 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service if inland or Coastguard if at the coast 
  • Shout to the person “Swim to me” 
  • Throw them something to help them keep above the surface 
  • Reach if possible to help them 
  • Don’t go into the water, you can become another casualty 
  • Keep eyes on them and gather information for the emergency services 
  • Carry a means for calling for help 
  • If you see someone who you think may be planning on harming themselves, call 999 

For more information on Water Safety, click here to view our page.

 

If you want to help or support the initiative, look out for #DrowningPrevention and #RespectTheWater on social media!