14/03/2024
Message from the Chair
As we approach the start of spring 2024, our member organisations are all busy focusing on plans for campaigns, events and progressing education opportunities for water safety.
This is a very full newsletter with lots of information, and I’d like to thank all contributors for sharing their updates.
I was delighted to attend the RNLI 200th anniversary at Westminster Abbey on Monday 04 March. I’m sure all employees and volunteers associated with the charity will feel rightly proud.
The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) coordinating committee held their Spring meeting virtually on 12 March. During this meeting plans for the next UK Drowning Prevention Strategy, as well as this year’s campaigns, and preparing the annual data report for 2023 incidents were discussed.
I encourage any new readers of the newsletter to visit here and consider registering with the NWSF mailing list. For more information, email info@nationalwatersafety.org.uk
Dawn Whittaker
Chair, NWSF
Research and publications
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Association between air temperature and unintentional drowning risk in the United Kingdom 2012-2019: A nationwide case-crossover study
A new study has been published which examines the relationship between weather conditions and the risk of drowning. Hills, S., Hobbs, M., Brown, P., Tipton, M. & Barwood, M. (2024).
You can read it here.
Promoting Swimming: A Positive Approach to Public Health
Letter to the BMJ highlighting the benefits of swimming. Watson, M. C. & Neil, K. E. (2024).
You can read it here.
Handbook on Drowning - Prevention, Rescue and Treatment (3rd Ed.)
Martin Barwood, Professor at Leeds Trinity University and a member of our Coordinating Group, will be contributing to this forthcoming publication with a chapter on ‘The epidemiology of drowning by location’.
New guidance
Education Resources
The NWSF education group has been working to build a framework to help with the development of educational materials and messaging on water safety.
The framework provides a set of consistent core messages for practitioners and organisations working at all levels to plan, develop, deliver and evaluate water safety education campaigns, teaching and learning resources, and interventions. Please note that this is for England only – devolved nations have their own educational strategy for water safety.
You can read about the resources for England here.
Water Safety Partnerships - Guidance
On January 24, we successfully launched NWSF guidance on how to set up a Water Safety Partnership. The document brings together three approaches to creating a water safety group, the six key elements to consider when setting up a group, as well as four case studies from across the UK.
Topics include:
- How to set up a group
- Water safety toolkits
- The benefits of partnership working
- A case study of best practice
You can access the guidance and a recording of the webinar launch here.
Unique Location Codes Guidance
Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has launched its guidance document on Unique Location Codes (ULCs) for use in Scotland.
The aim of the document is to provide a consistent format for water safety assets such as signs, Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) stations, and other fixed installations. This will help promote consistency and ensure one format to embed into emergency service control room systems.
Linked to coming research on water safety signage (see below), ULCs are an essential part of a water safety sign. To read the new guidance document, click here.
Signage Research
WSS has released a new report detailing three phases of research undertaken in 2023 and 2024 on water safety signage.
The results of the research show that the proposed new signage, created by WSS partners, is clear and understandable to members of the public. Participants demonstrated a high rate of understanding of the component parts of the sign, such as hazard identification, the ULC, and what to do in an emergency.
Read the full research report here.
Campaign updates
Water Safety for Little Explorers Campaign
In February, the Canal & River Trust launched the second year of their Water Safety for Little Explorers campaign. The campaign aims to give parents, carers and early educators the confidence and tools to speak to children under five about being safe by water.
This year, the Trust has launched a water safety storybook. It tells the story of Squirrel and Mouse, who lose their acorn ball in a canal. With the help of their friends, they get their ball back and learn all about staying safe by water.
2,000 nurseries along the Trust’s 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales received a free printed copy of the book and the Trust ran storytelling events during the February half-term holiday in libraries and at Trust museums and attractions. Since the start of the campaign, the Trust has secured funding to print another 3,000 English books and a new bilingual book in Welsh and English.
To read the online storybook (available in English and Welsh), watch a short film with catchy song and access downloadable learning resources click here.
Be Water Aware
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) will be running Be Water Aware on 22–28 April.
Be Water Aware is NFCC’s UK campaign to raise awareness of the risk of accidental drowning. It aims to provide advice to people so they can enjoy time in, on and around water safely and raise awareness of what to do if an incident should happen. It is supported by fire and rescue services and partners, and we encourage members to support the campaign.
The campaign is timed to run ahead of the warmer weather, when fire and rescue services see an increase in incidents.
Further information and resources to support the campaign will be available on the NFCC website
RNLI turns 200!
On Monday 4 March, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrated 200 years of volunteers giving their time to save lives at sea.
Over the past 200 years, RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards, funded entirely by public donations – have saved an incredible 146,277 lives.
Since the charity was founded in 1824, its volunteer crews have launched lifeboats 380,328 times, saving 144,277 lives, while its lifeguards – who became part of the RNLI’s lifesaving service in 2001 – have responded to 303,030 incidents on some of the UK’s busiest beaches, saving around 2,000 lives.
The number of lives saved by the RNLI equates to an average of two lives every day for 200 years.
A Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 200 years took place at Westminster Abbey on 04 March 2024.
Throughout its bicentenary year, the charity is running events and activities to remember its history and celebrate the modern lifesaving service it is today, while hoping to inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters.
For further information about the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, visit RNLI.org/200
Water Safety Partnerships: Spotlight on Manchester
The Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership (GMWSSP) has established Water Safety Partnerships (WSPs) in 9 of the 10 Greater Manchester (GM) boroughs and is currently in discussions to establish the 10th and final WSP.
GMWSSP is encouraging all WSPs to undertake a comprehensive risk review of all local water risks. This will then form the basis of a Community Water Safety Action Plan. Additionally, a Tactical Group will meet quarterly to align its approach across GM and share best practice.
This will allow national and regional experts to deal directly with local practitioners. Funding for all 10 WSPs has been applied for from the Greater Manchester Police Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (proceeds of crime) fund and further funding and joint procurement opportunities are being sought locally.
Product Recalls
There were a substantial number of PPE products recalled from various outlets listed on 22/01/2024. Please see details below.
Product Recall: NEWAO Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0063)
Product Recall: NBY Life Jacket (Blue) sold via Wish (2310-0050)
Product Recall: Inflatable Lifejacket P14061 (Blue Camouflage) sold via Wish (2310-0053)
Product Recall: SBART Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0135)
Product Recall: NEWAO Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0147)
Product Recall: Blue Camouflage Inflatable Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0148)
Product Recall: NBY Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0149)
Product Recall: Unbranded Orange Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0151)
Product Recall: Yellow Life Jacket CQYBII-150N sold via Wish (2310-0152)
Product Recall: Protackle Multifunctional Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0154)
Product Recall: Yellow NBY Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0153)
Product Recall: Pink and Blue Children's Swim Vest sold via Wish (2310-0156)
Product Recall: Blue NBY Flotation Aid sold via Wish (2310-0157)
Product Recall: HAOYUANGXING Adult Life Jacket (Orange) sold via Amazon (2311-0061)
Product Recall: Unbranded Black and Orange Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0063)
Product Recall: Sailtrek Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0078)
Product Recall: Hisea Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0106)
Product Recall: Omouboi Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0109)
Product Recall: Yon Sub Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0112)
Product Recall: Black Life Jacket with Two Buckles sold via Amazon (2311-0113)
Product Recall: Marine Work Life Jacket sold via Amazon (2311-0114)
Product Recall: Children's Blue and Grey Patterned Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0143)
Product Recall: Jiuran XS Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0150)
Product Recall: Unbranded Pink Floral Swim Vest sold via Wish (2310-0158)
Product Recall: Unbranded Orange Hand Tie Closure Life Jacket sold via Wish (2310-0155)
Other news
A recent BBC article examines the proposal that naming heatwaves might be introduced (as the Met Office currently does with storms) to increase communication and awareness, and help people to protect themselves.
Please let us know your thoughts!
- 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, Delhi, 02–04 September 2024
- Calling all stand up paddleboarders: Discover how to have a great time on the water this year with the RNLI’s water safety team and Canoe Wales in a free one-hour webinar on Tuesday 26 March at 7.30pm. We would encourage anyone thinking of heading onto the water in 2024 to sign up.
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27/06/2023
Message from the Chair
World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) is an opportunity for all agencies, charities and advocates who are passionate about water safety and drowning prevention. The campaign, which takes place annually on 25 July and is co-ordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), ensures a continuing spotlight on the issue of drowning and drowning prevention across the globe, and the UK National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is committed to supporting it.
The WHO’s call to action, which you can read more about below, is designed to be inclusive, regardless of whether you’re already involved in promoting drowning prevention, or it’s the first time if you or your organisation are supporting a water safety campaign.
The WHO’s call to action is encapsulated in the strapline:
DO ONE THING, IMPROVE ONE THING, ADD ONE THING
NWSF already shares data on drowning, and develops guidance and delivers campaigns on drowning prevention, supported by advocacy work through its strategy, plan, advisory groups and projects. This year, we want to add this special newsletter to share more about our work and to highlight the importance of partnership.
To reduce drowning, we must proactively collaborate.
Dawn Whittaker
NWSF Chair
World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD)
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WDPD, declared in the April 2021 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 “Global drowning prevention”, is held annually on 25 July. This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the devastating and profound impact of drowning on families and communities, and offers life-saving solutions to prevent such tragedies.
In this third WDPD, the WHO is asking countries and partners to respond to the call to action for global drowning prevention:
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Do one thing
If you’re not yet involved in drowning prevention, just do one thing to support.
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Improve one thing
If you’ve already started to work in your area on drowning prevention, then improve one thing.
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Add one thing
If you’re deeply engaged with drowning prevention, add one thing – there’s always more that can be done.
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Access the WHO WDPD resource materials and campaign page here and specific 2023 materials here
Watch the recording of the WHO-led WDPD 2023 information webinar, which took place on 22 May 2023 (Passcode: HwKq3a*j)
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NWSF-led WDPD 2023 webinar
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NWSF hosted a webinar on 26 June covering the UK’s plans to support WDPD 2023. If you missed it, watch the recording here.
The slides of the webinar can be found here.
All the links and further updates can be found on the NWSF WDPD web page here.
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As the NWSF works with a broad range of organisations and partners, we want to share the powerful work that so many organisations are doing across the board to reduce drowning fatalities.
1. Decide how you are going to support WDPD through the ‘Do, Improve and Add one thing’ call from WHO – watch the recording and read the slides for ideas.
2. Please let us know what you/your group/your organisation are doing to support World Drowning Prevention Day by completing this short survey. In particular, if your event is in England, please let us know so that we can offer media the opportunity to attend.
3. After WDPD - share your stories and photos with us across the day, especially if you're going blue for WDPD. We want to show the positive impact our partners have across the UK. If you have an example of how drowning prevention education has made a difference to an individual or community, please email us at info@nationalwatersafety.org.uk.
Thank you for your continued support in raising awareness of water safety and drowning prevention.
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25/05/2023
Message from the Chair
Whilst Spring has sprung, King Charles III has been crowned and the daffodils have withered as I write this on 11 May, we haven’t seen much in the way of warmer temperatures.
However, we all know that warmer weather can be a major factor in the number of drownings. Another factor that influences young people going into the water is the post-exam season. If those two factors come together – school and university leavers celebrating post-exam season and warm weather – then we’ll all need to be on top of our drowning prevention messages.
I’d like to thank everyone who supported the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign at the end of April. It’s always the start of our water safety and drowning prevention campaign calendar, and there were some great events and guidance shared. As you’ll read below, the next campaigns are on their way.
Also in this newsletter, you’ll see the link to the annual WAID data report for 2022 statistics, which are released in May each year. We decided to make a bit more noise around the statistics report this year and you’ll also be interested to know that the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is also working on a document with colleagues to try to align with what other countries do with their data reports. We’ll include that link on the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) website when published.
Since the last newsletter, I’ve attended the RoSPA Water Safety Conference, a Water Safety Wales meeting and a Swim England Strategy meeting; hosted a ‘Women in Open Water Swimming’ webinar to mark International Women’s Day; and chaired the NFCC Water Safety Board. I’ve also been involved in the NFCC Be Water Aware campaign and contributed to several surveys and consultations. There’s always something to attend or do, and that’s on top of my day job running an emergency service, but I do try to respond to requests when I can. So, if you’re thinking of inviting me to attend or speak at an event, do give me plenty of advance notice.
Finally, the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the World Health Organization has published information on World Drowning Prevention Day 2023, which takes place on 25 July. Visit the site for suggestions, guidance, logos, branding and social media assets.
Dawn Whittaker
NWSF Chair
WAID Release
The public have been urged to ‘respect the water’ as the latest statistics from WAID show 226 accidental drownings in 2022, with more dying at inland waters than at the coast.
Key statistics
- There were 226 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2022: 105 of them during June, July and August.
- Of the 226 fatalities, 151 were in England; 45 in Scotland; 22 in Wales; and 8 in Northern Ireland.
- Inland waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, with 60% of deaths.
- Males continue to be over-represented, with 83% of accidental fatalities.
- Recreational activities accounted for 58% of accidental fatalities.
A full trend report for the UK and by individual nation can be accessed online here.
The interactive dashboard can be accessed here.
Campaigns
Respect The Water
This year, we’ve taken the opportunity to use the release of the 2022 fatality report to raise awareness of our #RespectTheWater campaign and remind people ahead of the hot summer months to make the right choice if they see someone in difficulty in the water.
As Dawn says in the release: “These devastating numbers are an annual tragic reminder about the importance of raising awareness of water safety and drowning prevention, so we urge the public to understand the dangers and to learn the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency: if you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call, Tell, Throw.”
You can read the full press release here.
Float To Live
Today sees the launch of the RNLI’s 2023 Float to Live campaign. It aims to educate people on five simple steps on what to do if they get into difficulty in the water.
You can find more details here.
Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week
This year’s Drowning Prevention Week will take place on 17–24 June. Many of you will have supported the campaign in previous years and RLSS UK would love to continue this support for 2023.
With your help, last year RLSS UK managed to reach over 341,000 school children with their free education resources and 2.79million people had the opportunity to view the Drowning Prevention Week animation on YouTube.
RLSS UK have a range of resources available on their website which you can download and use, including social media graphics for you to share and will be posting throughout the week so your support is hugely appreciated.
RLSS UK will be working with various schools to provide education resources for children and will also be launching a brand-new animation which covers the Water Safety Code to encourage families to start talking about water safety with their children.
Visit www.rlss.org.uk/DPW for further details.
World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July 2023)
The NWSF will be hosting a webinar on our plans to support World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) through promotion of our #RespectTheWater campaign. We’ll be talking through the World Health Organization’s Call to Action for WDPD and suggestions on how Forum members can support the initiative, from social media through to on-the-ground activities.
We’ll be recording the webinar so that those who can’t attend will be able to watch it at a more convenient time. A link to this recording, along with additional materials, will be sent out in a special WDPD newsletter a few days later.
The webinar is planned for 26 June at 11am.
The link to join is here.
Alternatively, please email info@nationalwatersafety.org.uk for the calendar invite and link.
Do you have any plans for WDPD?
If you are already planning an event or “Turning Blue” for WDPD, please take the opportunity to participate in our WDPD survey here.
Drowning and Incident Review
On 2 May, the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) became available for use across Scotland.
Created by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the DIR aims to gather all relevant data and information in order to systematically review each accidental water-related incident with a view to prevent a future occurrence.
The DIR will be used across Scotland with local PAWS groups.
- DIR training is available here
- The DIR guidance document is available here
NWSF Flooding Advice
Over the last few months, we have been working on updated safety advice for flooding events. We will circulate the link for this once it is published on our website.
Call for stories
As the National Water Safety Forum works with a broad range of organisations and partners, we want to share the powerful work that so many organisations are doing across the board to reduce drowning fatalities.
We are collating case studies and stories that truly show the positive impact our partners have across the UK. Please send in your stories to: info@nationalwatersafety.org.uk
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