Campaign launched in Plymouth following increase in drink and drug-related drownings
Devon is currently ranked as the joint 2nd highest county for alcohol and drug related drownings in the UK according to the Royal Life Saving Society UK
People in Plymouth are being urged to be extra cautious this festive period following an increase in alcohol and drug related drownings in the county.
As part of the national 'Don’t Drink and Drown' campaign, run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), residents - particularly men - are being urged not to walk home alongside water, after they have been drinking.
Devon was named high risk by RLSS UK after stats revealed 124 people drowned in the county in the last five years and 24 of them (almost 20%) were found to have had alcohol or drugs in their system.
That makes Devon the joint 2nd highest county for alcohol and drug related drownings in the UK.
Out of the 26 people who drowned in Devon in 2019, three of them were intoxicated (12%).
The majority of alcohol and drug related drownings happen when a person accidentally falls in whilst waking home from a night out.
“With many people looking for an escape from this unprecedented year, there is a real temptation to enjoy more generous measures than usual.
"Others will want to spend time in their family bubbles and then return home later to avoid the extended contact of staying overnight.
“While we’re all in need of some fun and relaxation after this unprecedented year, we want to ensure that everyone is safely still here to welcome in 2021.
"Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water and we strongly urge everyone to avoid walking home near water, in the darkness and particularly if they are on their own.”
Robert Gofton, CEO, RLSS UK
RLSS UK is calling on everyone to be mindful of potential risks, and to carefully plan their route home.
Don’t Drink and Drown, this year running from 5-11 December, was launched in 2014 following a number of tragic drownings of young people.
This year, the campaign’s events and activities which usually take place up and down the UK, have had to be postponed due to the pandemic but supporters will still be promoting the vital messages:
• Plan a safe route away from water, and
• #Beamate – make sure your friends and family get home safe
For more information on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, visit their website here.