THE ROYAL Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), is concerned that communities in Wales are at greater risk of drowning whilst intoxicated this festive period than in previous years, and is urging everyone to take extra care.
As part of the national Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, run by RLSS UK, communities – particularly men – are being urged not to walk home near bodies of water after they have been drinking.
Over the last five years there have been 124 accidental drowning deaths in Wales, and 33 of the victims were found to have had alcohol or drugs in their system (almost 27%). Across the UK 1,358 people accidentally drowned and 385 of them were intoxicated (28%).
The majority of alcohol and drug related drownings are thought to occur when a person accidentally falls in whilst waking home from a night out.
Despite Tier restrictions scuppering many people’s plans to celebrate the festivities in the high street this year, there is still a major concern that individuals could fall into cold water whilst intoxicated, and with emergency and health services already stretched to the limit, RLSS UK worries that there will be a rise in fatalities.
RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton said: “With more people choosing to drink at home this December, there is a real temptation to enjoy more generous measures. Many people will want to spend time in their family bubbles and will then return home later to avoid the extended contact of staying overnight.
“While we’re all in need of some fun and relaxation after this unprecedented year, we want to ensure that everyone is safely still here to welcome in 2021. Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water and we strongly urge everyone to avoid walking home near water, in the darkness and particularly if they are on their own.”
RLSS UK is calling on everyone to be mindful of potential risks, and to carefully plan their route home.
In the last five years:
• Wales – 124 accidental drowning deaths, 33 of them drug or alcohol related (27%)
• Scotland –229 accidental drowning deaths, 40 of them drug or alcohol related (17%)
• Northern Ireland – 30 accidental drowning deaths, 10 of them drug or alcohol related (33.3%)
• England – 964 accidental drowning deaths, 297 of them drug or alcohol related (30%)
Don’t Drink and Drown, this year running from 5-11 December, was launched in 2014 following a number of tragic drownings of young people. This year, the campaign’s events and activities, which usually take place up and down the UK, have had to be postponed due to the pandemic but supporters will still be promoting the vital messages:
• Plan a safe route away from water, and
• #Beamate – make sure your friends and family get home safe.
