An alarming new report from the Royal Life Saving Society UK revealed that nearly 90% of child drownings could have been prevented. The report has sparked urgent calls for government action to prevent further tragedies before the upcoming summer holidays. Approximately 33 children lose their lives to drowning annually, equivalent to a whole classroom of children, with concerns that this number may rise.
Disturbing statistics from the RLSS UK indicate that Black children are more than three times as likely to drown compared to white children, boys are twice as likely as girls, and children from the most deprived areas have double the drowning rate of those from the least deprived areas. Moreover, 71% of drowned children had previous involvement with social care.
The RLSS UK, supporting The Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam campaign, has expressed deep concerns following the deaths of 19 individuals in a single week during a recent heatwave. Politicians, including Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Water Safety Education, emphasize the immediate need for government intervention to prevent further tragic incidents.
The report highlights that almost every drowning incident could have been avoided, with 87% of cases revealing preventable factors such as lack of supervision, unsafe environments, easy access to water, and absence of safety precautions. This eye-opening report, released during Drowning Prevention Week, labels drowning as a preventable public health issue.
The RLSS UK’s recommendations to address child drownings in England include changing the focus of the Public Health Water Taskforce to incorporate drowning prevention, adopting a public health strategy to mitigate drowning risks, and appointing a dedicated Minister for water safety and drowning prevention. The APPG will feature a speech from RLSS UK Ambassador and Olympic swimming champion Tom Dean MBE, urging the Government to take immediate action.
In conclusion, drowning incidents among children are deemed a public health emergency that requires immediate attention and effective preventive measures. The RLSS UK continues to advocate for comprehensive policies to ensure water safety for all individuals and prevent unnecessary drowning incidents.