East Riding of Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to be aware of dangers involved around open water, as part of Drowning Prevention Week.
The week, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest summer water safety campaigns, runs from Saturday, 13 June to Saturday, 20 June and is being supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), it aims to raise awareness of water safety and help reduce the risk of accidental drowning.
This year’s campaign follows a number of tragic water-related incidents across the UK. More than 15 people are reported to have lost their lives over the half-term period, during the recent warm weather.
The campaign highlights that water safety is not only about swimming ability and confidence. This includes understanding the dangers associated with open water, such as cold water shock, hidden hazards, changing conditions, and illnesses linked to water quality.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, said:
“Drowning Prevention Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the simple steps we can all take to remain safe in and around water.
“With increased numbers of people visiting our coast, swimming pools and open water during the warmer months, it is essential that families are aware of the risks and understand how to keep themselves and others safe.
“Residents should access the available resources, increase their awareness, and help share these potentially life-saving messages.”
Residents and visitors are being encouraged to swim only in designated safe swimming areas and to always follow advice from lifeguards.
Safe swimming areas are located at Bridlington North Beach and Bridlington South Beach, between the red and yellow lifeguard flags. There will also be safe swimming areas in Hornsea and Withernsea from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 6 September.
Throughout the week, East Riding Leisure will deliver targeted sessions and activities at selected sites, including Withernsea and Beverley, alongside a wider programme of awareness-raising activity.
More information can be found here: Drowning prevention week
Practical advice and free resources to support water safety during Drowning Prevention Week can be found: Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week
Additional summer health and safety advice is also available through the council’s public health campaign: Stay safe this summer
