Sea Safety : Facts and Figures
The table below, compiled from RoSPA’s annual publication ‘Drowning in the UK’, shows the number of drowning deaths over a 11-year period. On average, death by drowning in coastal waters accounts for 22% of the total fatalities.
| Year |
Total |
Coastal* |
% of Total |
| 1993 |
325 |
70 |
18 |
| 1994 |
448 |
99 |
22 |
| 1995 |
473 |
128 |
27 |
| 1996 |
441 |
122 |
28 |
| 1997 |
440 |
108 |
24 |
| 1998 |
568 |
129 |
23 |
| 1999 |
569 |
112 |
20 |
| 2000 |
448 |
80 |
18 |
| 2001 |
430 |
77 |
18 |
| 2002 |
427 |
87 |
20 |
| 2003* |
381 |
93 |
24 |
| Average |
455 |
100 |
22 |
* Docks and harbours not included, incidents are within 5 miles of coastline
2003 totals may still be subject to change
Numbers of deaths by drowning are not the only index of potential danger. The number of rescues recorded also provides an indication of the risk to life. SEAREM (the Sea Related Emergency Monitoring Committee) collates data on all coastal incidents and accidents. Further details about SEAREM can be found in the information section.
