#GetWaterWise: Community lifesaving equipment "vital" to saving lives

There are concerns people vandalising emergency lifesaving equipment next to rivers, lakes and reservoirs is putting lives at risk.

Emergency throwlines are found along waterways in every corner of the country and are "essential" to saving people who get into trouble in the water.

They can often be the lifeline for passers-by to use whilst emergency services arrive at the scene and have detailed instructions on the board on how to use them.

The canal and River Trust are urging people to know about the dangers of entering waters.

It follows the recent death of Kai Gardner-Pugh who drowned at Ashby Ville nature reserve in Scunthorpe.

Lizzie Deeley from The Canal and Rivers Trust, said:

“Life saving rings can be important. There is of course a risk of being vandalized and having to keep them maintained which doesn't mean that they're not suitable for every single place. What we really want to do is to campaign to get that general understanding of people's awareness. Water safety skills is really important for everybody.

“At Canal and River Trust, we spend a lot of effort educating schoolchildren and also family groups through our education programs to understand how to throw ropes and how live saving rings can be used to save lives.”

#GetWaterWise this summer

Water safety campaigners are warning this summer could be one of the worst ever for accidental drownings in our waterways and coasts.

A combination of people staying in the UK, warmer weather, and young people missing out on swimming education are all factors that threaten to send numbers soaring this year.

There have been 36 drownings in England since the middle of July alone due to a spike in hot weather across England.

Know the facts on accidental drowning

Unfortunately, people of all ages can die in drowning accidents:

• On average 402 people across the UK and Ireland die in our waterways each year

• July and August are the months in which most fatalities occur

• 82% of deaths are male

• 47% of those who die have no intention of entering the water

• {{news}}

• Water Safety
• #getwaterwise