Young people urged to stay safe around open water this winter

 

Tragically 54 people drowned in Wales in 2024, an increase from 2023, with many taking place during winter months.

We at Water Safety Wales, would like your support in raising further awareness of our water safety messages to children and young people on the importance of staying safe around the coast and inland waterways including rivers, lakes and reservoirs during the winter period.

One drowning is too many. We would urge your teaching staff to reiterate our simple live saving messages to your learners and families to help them stay safe around open water. Knowing these tips can save a life.

Key Messages:

· Stay Away from the Edge: Keep back from slippery banks and avoid walking on ice. Stick to well-lit areas and plan your walks during daylight. Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.

· Keep Children and Pets Close: Teach children to stay off the ice and avoid floodwater. Keep dogs on a lead near ice and slippery banks.

· If You Fall Through the Ice: Keep calm and call for help. Float on your back until you feel calm, then try to climb out. If you cannot climb out, continue to float and keep your head clear of the water.

· If You See Someone in Trouble – Call 999: Do not enter cold water, ice, or floodwater to rescue someone. Try to reach them from the bank using a rope, pole, tree branch, or clothing tied together.

· Flood Safety Updates: Check your local flood risk on the Natural Resources Wales website. Sign up for flood warnings and stay informed about weather conditions and flood warnings.

Resources: Please share the attached leaflet with parents and guardians and the social media messages on your schools accounts.

Winter is a beautiful season, but it also brings certain risks, especially around water, with flooding and ice being major concerns. By working together, we can significantly reduce the number of water-related incidents and ensure the safety of our children. Your support in this initiative is invaluable, and I am confident that with your help, we can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need further information.

Chris Cousens, Chair, Water Safety Wales

 

https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/water-safety-wales

 

The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum, highlight drowning trends from 2024. Key accidental drowning death WAID insights for Wales include:

· Males continue to be overrepresented with 82% of accidental fatalities.

· Males aged 20-29, 50-59 and 70-79 were the highest groups for accidental fatalities.

· Recreational activities, such as adventure sports, angling, boating, and waterside activities, accounted for 67% of all accidental fatalities.

· Accidental fatalities occur at both inland (lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and quarries) and coastal waters, with 56% occurring at coastal locations.

· Of the 193 accidental fatalities in the UK, 18 were in Wales, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland and 6 in Northern Ireland.