National fire chiefs highlight male accidental drowning risks
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has launched its annual Be Water Aware campaign to address data showing that over 80% of accidental drowning victims in the UK are male.
Running from 27 April to 3 May, the initiative warns that 1,604 people died in accidental water incidents between 2019 and 2024.
Statistics reveal that approximately half of these individuals did not intend to enter the water.
Slips, trips and falls are cited as leading causes of these fatalities.
Over 50% of these incidents took place in inland waters including rivers, lakes and canals.
Gavin Ellis, NFCC Drowning Prevention lead, said: “Most people would be surprised to hear how many lives are lost simply because people were spending time in and around water.
“These incidents can happen without warning, and something as simple as a slip near the water’s edge can have serious consequences, particularly when cold water shock takes effect.
“We know that males make up the majority of those those who lose their lives in these incidents, which is why it is so important that this message reaches them.
“This is not just about risk-taking behaviour.
“These are often everyday situations that can quickly lead to serious outcomes, which is why it is important to stay alert around water, even in familiar settings.
“As the weather improves, fire services across the country, alongside colleagues in HM Coastguard and the RNLI, can face large numbers of calls to help people in difficulty in water.
“We want people to enjoy being outdoors, but to be mindful of the risks around water, particularly at this time of year.”
Operational data reveals impact of cold water shock
London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported that 40% of its water-related callouts occur between May and August.
The brigade has attended more than 1,500 water incidents in the last five years, with 103 non-suicide drowning fatalities recorded in the capital.
Data indicates that 28% of these incidents are concentrated in the riverside boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth and Richmond.
LFB recently attended a fatal incident in the River Brent where a woman and a boy died despite rescue efforts by crews.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: “Our thoughts are with the family and their loved ones following this tragedy and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.
“Sadly, over 100 people have died in non-suicide related drownings in London over the last five years, so this Be Water Aware Week we want to remind Londoners about the real and immediate dangers of open water.
“We know that the warmer weather can tempt people to cool off in rivers, reservoirs and lakes, but even in hot weather most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“Many Londoners are not aware that despite its calm surface, open water can have strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth – all of which could prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas and ensure that lifeguards and safety equipment are present.
“If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself.
“Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”
Safety advice for the public includes following the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Float to Live technique by tilting the head back and maintaining calm breathing.