Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue issue water safety advice after a busy summer last year
There's been over 37 'significant' water-related incidents in Lincolnshire over the last 3 years
Last updated 31st May 2024
Strong safety advice is being issued by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue ahead of June, as last year saw more water-related deaths in that month in the UK than any other.
The annual figures released by the National Water Safety Forum reveal that accidental drownings last year rose to 236, ten more than 2022.
3 of those deaths occurred in Lincolnshire and 1 in North East Lincolnshire.
Dave Lynch is an Area Manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and says it can happen to anyone...
"Over the last 3 years, we've had over 37 significant water-related incidents which have cause tragedy in some instances, but certainly disruption in many other cases, and people have been lucky to come away with minor injuries."
"So I guess the message from us, is to respect the water and make sure you can stay having fun but that it doesn't turn into a dangerous activity."
Please respect the water and be careful
"50% of accidental drownings take place between the months of June, July and August, on average year on year."
"It's really a time for us to step up and say enjoy your time, enjoy the summer but please respect the water, and be careful."
The figure from 2023 Water Incident Database also show that once again more accidental deaths in water occurred inland, in rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries and a large majority of the deaths occurred when a person was walking or running by rivers (34) and aqueduct/canal (20).
To help avoid these accidental deaths, the public are being urged not to jump in after someone - as difficult as they may seem - stay calm, stay on land and follow this 3-step rescue guide:
Call 999 to get help immediately
Tell the struggling person to float on their back
Throw them something that floats