One person drowns every 20 hours in the UK, more than 2 people a minute worldwide and hundreds more suffer life changing injuries through near drowning.
The latest statistics released as part of the Drowning Prevention Week highlight the need to teach people how to stay safe near water.
Here are some hints and tips to keep you and others around you safe whilst being near water in the UK or abroad whilst on holiday:
- Don’t assume that a child who knows how to swim isn’t at risk for drowning. All children need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skills.
- Invest in proper-fitting Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and have children wear them whenever they are near water.
- Follow the pool rules (don’t dive into the shallow end)
- Take time to check the depth, water flow and layout of the pool, especially at leisure pools and holiday resorts
- Never enter the water after drinking alcohol
- Do not swim near or dive from rocks, piers, breakwater and coral
- Water safety signage can be very different in foreign countries, so find out what local warning flags and signs mean – and adhere to them
- Always use self-closing gates, fences and locks to prevent children from gaining access to pools of water (at home)
- Always supervise bath time (never leave children unattended). Empty the bath as soon as possible after use
- Vulnerable adults and people who suffer from sudden seizures should consider using showers rather than baths
Many injuries occur to UK holidaymakers around water parks, swimming resorts and pools and still 1 in 4 of us travel without any insurance cover. Before travelling check you are insured adequately and covered for accidents and medical expenses.
Sharrocks can provide travel insurance for all travellers, including, those with medical conditions, older travellers, longer stay policies, gap year travellers, and business policies for the individual or the entire company.
For more information on Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Week please visit the official site Drowning Prevention Week
