Islanders urged to learn how to prevent drowning

Saturday 15 June 2019

Did you know you're more likely to die from drowning than be hit by a car or in a fire? As a "high-risk time of year" for swimming approaches, islanders are being urged to master lifesaving skills.

Enjoy2train, Aquasplash and Jersey Swimming Club are fronting the local Drowning Prevention Week 2019 campaign, which aims to help islanders can have fun in the water in a safe way.

"It is so important to remind people to stay safe near water, especially at this high-risk time of year," Nicky Holgate-Smith from Enjoy2train emphasised.

Drowning Prevention Week was set up by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) with the aim of flooding the British Isles with water safety activities from 14 to 24 June. 

More than 700 people drown every year in the UK and Ireland, whilst many more suffer injury - sometimes life-changing - when they survive drowning.

Pictured: The campaign aims to help swimmers enjoy themselves in a safe way.

Enjoy2train, Aquasplash and Jersey Swimming Club say that they are proud to play a part in the attempt to reduce this figure.

"We are only too happy to be involved with Drowning Prevention Week," they said.

Enjoy2train, Aquasplash and Jersey Swimming Club will be holding a free Baby and Child CPR, drowning and choking workshop on Thursday 20 June at 18:30 to 20:30 in the evening at Aquasplash in the hopes of preventing life loss in Jersey, as drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental child deaths in the UK and Ireland.

Pictured: “Most people are surprised to learn that you are more likely to die from drowning than you are from being hit by a car or in a fire."

RLSS UK's Director of Education, Mike Dunn, added: "Most people are surprised to learn that you are more likely to die from drowning than you are from being hit by a car or in a fire.

We urge as many people as possible to take advantage of the activities run by Enjoy2train, Jersey Swimming Club and Aquasplash and learn what could be potentially lifesaving skills.

"We thank Jersey Coastguard also for getting involved with the campaign, and for helping people learn the skills they need to stay safe and enjoy the water."