Landmarks across Cornwall to be lit up blue for World Drowning Prevention Day
An estimated 235,000 people drown worldwide every year
Landmarks across Cornwall are being lit up in blue for World Drowning Prevention Day and to raise awareness.
The RNLI has arranged for buildings across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to show their support, highlighting the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities across the world.
In the Duchy, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle will all be illuminated tonight (25th July).
World Drowning Prevention Day was created through a UN resolution on drowning prevention in 2021, acknowledging the issue for the first time in its 75-year history.
According to latest estimates from the World Health Organisation, drowning is the cause of 235,000 deaths globally every year.
It comes as a Cornishman is being celebrated for his work for water safety and drowning prevention 250 years ago.
Relative George Trengrouse Shillito, who now heads up 'Red Rescue' said: “Henry Trengrouse was a humble Cornishman. In 1807 he witnessed a disastrous shipwreck in which hundreds of lives were lost.
"It's huge now to be able to go out on to the water safely and as so many people are now. It's also very important they do so safely and unfortunately there are still instances where they need to go further.
"He spent many years of his life travelling to London, to speak to the Government to convince them of the idea. He met a huge amount of resistance at the time and the idea was not picked up until after his death.
"He dedicated his life to saving lives at sea".
George, who is Henry's 5x Great Grandson is honouring his work with water safety in Henry Trengrouse's name, in association with the RNLI, after his work shaped the modern approach to the lifesaving we see today.
George, who is part of 'Red Rescue', added:
"We're surrounded by water in the southwest we have some amazing beaches and I think it's just absolutely critical that when people to head out on the water that they're really considering the weather conditions, the tide, and have a backup plan and a way of communicating back to shore".
What can you do if you get in trouble in the sea?
George advises people use RNLI approved message P.L.O.T when out on the water, whether that's swimming or on a board, which means:
P - Personal Floatation Device
L - Leash
O - Offshore winds
T - Telephone
George continued: “Back in 2018, we created our Red Rescue lifesaving division applying our cutting-edge inflatable board technology to support lifesaving teams around the world.
"Since then, we’ve been working with leading lifesaving authorities and professional lifeguards across the world to deliver lifesaving kit and equipment to the places that need it most.
"It fills me with great pride that at Red Rescue we are following in Henry’s footsteps to introduce innovations, designs and technologies and carrying on his great work and continuing his name".
This World Drowning Prevention Day the RNLI is also supporting the National Water Safety Forum’s Respect the Water campaign, which aims to raise awareness of what to do if you see someone struggling in the water.
Steve Instance, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI, says: ‘We’re delighted to help in highlighting World Drowing Prevention Day this year. Thousands of people lose their lives to drowning around the world every year, and we are keen to do all we can in helping to bring this number down.
"It’s great to see so many well-known buildings across the south west joining us in going blue – my thanks go to everyone who is supporting this hugely important campaign".
To find out more about World Drowning Prevention Day you can visit their website.