One of the Campaigns by the RLSS UK – the UK’s Drowning Prevention Charity is “ Don’t Drink and Drown” Campaign on the 4 -14 December 2020.
Don’t Drink and Drown is a national campaign that warns drinkers to steer clear of walking by or entering water when under the influence of alcohol.
The campaign was launched following a string of tragic student drownings. It has two targeted time frames through the year where RLSS UK and partners push messaging these are September and December.
The Evidence – Don’t Drink and Drown Campaign
There were 448 accidental drownings involving alcohol
and/or drugs in the United Kingdom from 2014-2018.
That’s an average of 90 per year.
This represents 30% of all accidental drownings that
occurred in the UK during the 2014-2018 period.
• 29% were aged 20-29 years old (132)
• 86% were male
• 61% were inland
• More than 60% had no intention of being in the
water
• A quarter drowned in the coldest months of the
year – December, January and February
There are 3 distinct groups within this data:
1. Intoxicated walkers: 177 Fatalities.
Assumed to be walking home after drinking.
2. Intoxicated water users: 144 Fatalities.
Intentionally engaging in aquatic activity after drinking.
3. Intoxicated found in water: 40 Fatalities.
Insufficient evidence to allocate these individuals to either group.
Can I ask you a question ????
Advice
Stay Safe
• Don’t enter the water if you have been drinking
• Alcohol seriously affects your ability to get yourself out of trouble
• Look out for your friends, make sure they get home safely
• Don’t walk home near water, you might fall in
Effects of alcohol on the body
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to impaired judgement which means you are more likely to take risks and get in trouble
- Alcohol limits muscle ability making simple movements much harder
- Alcohol slows down your reactions making it more difficult to get yourself out of trouble
- Alcohol numbs the senses making swimming very difficult
For more information can be found on the RLSS UK website