Bereaved families unite for vital water safety message ahead of bank holiday
The #GetWaterWise Minute will be broadcast on Bauer's radio stations across the UK, including Pirate FM
Last updated 27th Aug 2021
Cornwall and Bauer radio stations across the UK are joining up to help deliver a powerful water safety message.
The #GetWaterWise campaign was launched ahead of the school holidays, after warnings this summer could be one of the worst on record for accidental drownings.
Journalists joined forces with the Royal Life Saving Society and other water safety groups to help raise awareness and spread vital life-saving advice.
In July alone there was a shocking number of tragedies, with the RLSS recording at least 45 deaths related to accidental drowning over a 12 day period.
They included a man in his 30s who was pulled from the water at Crantock near Newquay.
Now, ahead of the Bank Holiday Weekend in England and Wales, Bauer Media is bringing its network of radio stations together to broadcast a 'Get Water Wise Minute', featuring the voices of families who have lost loved ones swimming in open water.
Lee Heard from the Royal Life Saving Society said: "Over a tragic 12 day period in July during the heatwave, we know that over 45 people sadly lost their lives to accidental drowning.
"Drowning is devastating. It's unexpected and it is preventable. It leaves a huge scar on those who are left behind to deal with the pain and grief of losing a loved one. That's why it's a testament to some of the brave families that have the courage to come forward and use their pain and grief to try and educate other people, so we don't see more lives lost to accidental drowning".
He went on to say: "There is no doubt that the #GetWaterWise campaign run by Bauer Media throughout the summer, in collaboration with the RLSS, has saved lives".
You can hear the #GetWaterWiseMinute on Pirate FM and Greatest Hits Radio Cornwall in the 12pm and 6pm news bulletins on Friday 27th August.
The RNLI has the latest advice on how to stay safe in open water and at the coast, including its 'Float to Live' safety video.