RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : Water Safety

The number of accidental drownings in the UK has fallen for the second year running, from 448 in 2000 to 426 in 2001, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed today. The foot and mouth outbreak, which restricted access to the countryside throughout the summer, is believed to be the main factor behind the five per cent reduction. Deaths among the under-15s remained static at 40. There was also no increase in the eight under-fives who drowned in gardens, despite the growing popularity of garden ponds and water features. Full Story»

A new spate of high-profile drownings has underlined the need for people with responsibility for water safety to share ideas so that tragedies can be prevented in future, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. RoSPA is staging its second national water safety congress in Plymouth in September to bring together experts who can show the way forward. Full Story»

As schools begin to break up for the summer, RoSPA today issued water safety warnings to people preparing to head off on holiday at home and abroad. Sunny weather sadly often brings drowning tragedies and there have been at least three in last few days. But by following simple tips, families can stay safe. Full Story»

Following the inquest into the deaths of two pupils on a river walk in North Yorkshire, RoSPA has called for tighter controls on schools and teachers organising trips. The Society said it did not want to see such activities banned as they may even help to educate children about risk. Full Story»

New RoSPA figures show a dramatic reduction in the number of accidental drownings in the UK - and the Society is now looking for bright ideas from experts to save even more lives in the future. Statistics released today show 439 people drowned in 2000 compared with 569 in 1999. Deaths among the under-15s fell from 54 to 40, and child drownings in garden ponds and water features showed a decline for the first time in several years, from 10 in 1999 to eight in 2000. Full Story»

Take a look down the garden and save a child’s life, says The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Hazards lurking in the back garden prove fatal to toddlers and young children every summer. New Government research which shows 80 per cent of pond drownings happen in the garden of a friend, relative or neighbour emphasises the need for parents to check out where their children are playing, and if it is safe. Full Story»

People are continuing to risk their lives by ignoring safety warnings and walking on frozen lakes, ponds, reservoirs and canals, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. RoSPA spokesman Roger Vincent said: "A lot of people are likely to go out walking at the weekend and with the cold spell continuing we are extremely concerned that there could be more tragedies in the next few days. Full Story»

Experts will address more than 160 delegates at a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s national water safety congress next week. The sell-out event in Blackpool on Monday and Tuesday (September 24-25) will seek answers to why around 570 people drown in the UK each year. Full Story»

A spate of summer drownings has highlighted the need for managers of water sites to ensure they are fully informed about the latest safety measures, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. To keep them up-to-date, the Society is organising its first national water safety congress, Safe Management of Water Sites – The Risk Assessment Route, at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, on September 24-25. Full Story»

Sunbathers and holidaymakers need to be extra careful as Britain basks in the heat, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today. The combination of hot weather and the start of the school holidays could prove a fatal combination. Full Story»