Almost 90% of child drownings could have been prevented, states a recent Royal Life Saving Society UK report. The findings have sparked renewed calls for immediate government action to save lives ahead of the upcoming summer holidays. Each year, approximately 33 children lose their lives to drowning, a number equivalent to a full classroom, with concerns that this figure may rise.
Startling statistics from the RLSS UK reveal that Black children drown at over three times the rate of white children, boys drown twice as often as girls, and children in the most deprived areas face double the risk compared to those in wealthier communities. Additionally, 71% of drowned children had previous involvement with social care services.
The RLSS UK, a supporter of The Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam campaign, is alarmed by the recent surge in drowning incidents, especially after 19 fatalities occurred in just one week during a May heatwave. Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Water Safety Education, emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further tragic drownings in the future.
According to Pete Kennedy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at RLSS UK, the report serves as a critical wake-up call for the Government. He stresses that drowning is preventable and disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The report highlights that nearly every drowning incident could have been averted, with 87% of cases showing modifiable factors that could have saved the child’s life, such as lack of supervision and safety measures.
Released during Drowning Prevention Week, the report was presented at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Water Safety Education, labeling drowning as a preventable public health concern. The RLSS UK urges the Government to acknowledge the health inequalities and risk factors associated with drownings and take immediate action to address them.
Kennedy urges the UK Government to align with the World Health Organization’s recognition of drowning as a preventable public health issue and implement effective policies to safeguard vulnerable communities. While efforts to enhance water bodies for recreational use are commendable, Kennedy emphasizes the crucial need for drowning prevention measures to avoid future tragedies.
The RLSS UK’s report outlines five key recommendations for government action, including integrating drowning prevention into the Public Health Water Taskforce’s agenda, addressing health inequalities, appointing a Minister for water safety, and implementing interventions to reduce drowning risks.
The upcoming APPG session, featuring a speech by RLSS UK Ambassador Tom Dean MBE, aims to rally support for urgent government action on water safety and drowning prevention. The report, compiled in collaboration with the National Child Mortality Database, focuses on child drownings in England since 2020.
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