#GetWaterWise this summer across Staffordshire and Cheshire
We're raising awareness of the dangers of open water, as experts predict a summer spike in drownings
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.
We're launching our #GetWaterWise project to raise awareness of the issue and try and prevent further tragedies across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Becky Ramsay lost her 13-year-old son Dylan Ramsay when he got into difficulty swimming in a quarry in 2011.
Becky said her family's life hasn't been the same since: "When I say out loud my son's dead...it doesn't feel real. But I know it is.
"I know that he's not coming home. I only have to look around the house and I've got books of remembrances and I've got his urn.
"Everything's changed. I think when Dylan died, I think a part of me died, and I think my children...they didn't just lose a brother, they lost their mum, they lost their dad, they lost each other."
Ever since Dylan's death, Becky has been campaigning for better water safety in schools: "I'm a mum that doesn't want you to feel this pain, ever. I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy, there's nothing like it."
WATCH: Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle sets out the facts about accidental drowning
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
Lack of education could increase risk
The Royal Life Saving Society is urging parents and carers to make sure their children know about water safety.
Each year, they host Drowning Prevention Week, which this year runs between 19th and 26th June.
- Over 55% of parents surveyed said they would not be confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water
- Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children and the risk of drowning increases from the age of 15
- 1 in 3 of those surveyed said their swimming abilities limited the activities they could do
- 62.4% of accidental drowning happen in inland water.
- 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim
Campaign to save lives
In the run up to the summer holidays, we'll be using the hashtag #GetWaterWise to pass on safety advice in our news, and on our social media feeds.
We hope it can prevent a spike in incidents this summer.
RLSS UK’s Charity Director Lee Heard, said: “We are surrounded by opportunities to be in or near water. Whatever their age and activity level, everyone should be having fun, creating memories and feeling at ease around the water.
"The inequality in access to swimming and water safety education, and subsequent lack of potential interaction with the water is a big concern."
#GetWaterWise Water safety tips to stay safe this summer
Follow this advice, and stay safe around water
During hot summer days, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and the sea can look really tempting.
But beneath the surface can lie hidden dangers, cold temperatures an unexpected currents.
The Royal Life Saving Society has this advice to stay safe.
Look out for lifeguards
If you're looking for a place to cool off always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open water and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you're never too far away from it.
It's stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a riptide – don't swim against it – you'll tire yourself out. Swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong you've got someone there to help.