Mum of Wycombe girl who drowned in Bournemouth makes heartfelt water safety plea

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has launched its annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign, putting a spotlight on the importance of water safety education this summer.

Central to this year’s campaign is a powerful video featuring Stephanie Williams, who shares her heart-wrenching story of losing her daughter, Sunnah Khan, to drowning on Bournemouth Beach in May of the previous year.

The video, which also includes Vanessa Abbess, mother of Joe Abbess who tragically died on the same day, aims to raise awareness about the critical need for water safety knowledge.

It conveys the sobering reality that drowning can affect anyone, regardless of their swimming ability, and underscores the urgent need for parents to educate their children about water safety.

Stephanie Williams’ participation in the video highlights the deep personal impact of water-related tragedies and serves as a call to action for families across the UK. By sharing her painful experience, Stephanie hopes to prevent other families from facing similar losses.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, acknowledges the significant contribution of Stephanie and Vanessa in the campaign. “Their bravery in sharing such personal and painful experiences is invaluable in raising awareness and promoting water safety. Their stories are powerful reminders of the real dangers water can pose and the importance of being educated on how to stay safe.”

RLSS UK data reveals a concerning trend, with 125 children losing their lives to accidental drowning in the last five years, including 26 fatalities in 2023 alone. Teenagers, aged between 13 and 17 years, represent 66% of these tragic incidents. This data underscores the necessity of the campaign's efforts to educate the public on water safety.

To address this, RLSS UK is promoting the Water Safety Code through a variety of engaging resources, including a video animation aimed at young children and families. The objective is to equip as many people as possible with the knowledge to enjoy water safely.

Last year's Drowning Prevention Week campaign saw RLSS UK’s educational materials and resources reach over 1.85 million children, providing them with essential water safety knowledge and skills. This year, RLSS UK offers new and updated free educational resources available on its website, including lesson plans for schools and downloadable materials for parents, to support families in learning and applying the Water Safety Code.

For more information around Drowning Prevention Week, click here

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