Water safety key says Worcester charity, after over 100 people died last year in the UK from accidental drowning
Figures revealed 193 people died in the UK in 2024 from accidentally drowning
A Worcester based charity is calling for people to be safe around water as figures revealed 193 people died in the UK in 2024 from accidentally drowning.
Figures from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) also showed May was the month last year with the most accidental water-related fatalities, with 28 lives lost.
The statistics also show inland waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries accounted for 61% of the deaths.
Matt Croxall is the interim director for the Royal Life Saving Society, he says it is vital people listen to the messages that are out there about water safety, especially as the weather continues to get warmer.
He said: “Accidental drowning is preventable, but its impact is devastating, anyone of any age or background can drown but no one should, which is why we think it is so important to keep raising the topic of water safety.
“Particularly this time of year when we know the number of drownings across the UK go up as people are out exploring open water, we want to make sure those water safety messages get out there to families before children break up for the school holidays.
“By educating people on how to stay safe in different types of water, we believe we can help prevent any future drownings.”
136 accidental drownings were recorded in England in 2024, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland.
Everyday activities like walking and running accounted for 37% of accidental fatalities, with 84% of total being male.