Water safety expert offers warning over accidental drowning figures
Figures released today reveal that 193 people died in the UK in 2024 from accidentally drowning, with three of those in Northamptonshire.
A water safety expert is urging the public to be vigilant around open water as figures reveal the number of accidental deaths from drowning last year.
Figures released today (Wednesday 28 May) reveal that 193 people died in the UK in 2024 from accidentally drowning.
In Northamptonshire last year three people sadly lost their lives to drowning.
The data from the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) showed that May was the month last year was the month with most accidental water-related fatalities, with 28 lives tragically lost.
With this month being the warmest May on record for the UK, and a rise in accidental drownings happening when air temperatures increase, experts are urging the public to Respect the Water.
Mike Tipton, water safety expert from the NWSF, said:
"While July and August have historically seen the most water-related fatalities, for the last two years accidental drownings have peaked in the late spring and early summer, coinciding with unseasonably warm temperatures.
Mike added: "With hot weather continuing, the NWSF is calling on the public to Respect the Water and be alert to the hidden dangers—especially cold-water shock."
Although air temperatures are getting higher, open water temperatures remain dangerously cold with many inland waters remaining below 16°C all year round, which is when water is considered hazardous for cold water shock. Sea temperatures are also unlikely to be higher than this at the moment.
Cold water shock is the body’s response to sudden immersion in cold water, leading to an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and temporary loss of swimming ability. This can result in drowning, especially if the person falls into the water unexpectedly.
The 2024 figures reveal:
Inland waterways – rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries – account for 61% of the deaths
84% of accidental fatalities are male
The worst months for accidental fatalities were May (28), August (25) and July (21)
Everyday activities like walking and running accounted for 37% of accidental fatalities, meaning many of those who lost their lives were not intending to enter the water
13\6 accidental drownings were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales and 6 in Northern Ireland.
Respect the Water is the NWSF’s public safety campaign that provides simple, life-saving advice to empower people to take responsibility for their safety near water.
Their advice to people who find themselves in trouble in the water is to float to live:
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
Try to relax and breathe normally while you move your hands to help you stay afloat
Once the effects of the cold water shock pass, shout for help or swim to safety if you can.
The advice if you see someone else in trouble in the water is to Call, Tell, Throw:
Call 999 to get help
Tell the struggling person to float on their back
Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring, inflatable toy, or bottle.