SPSC supports Drowning Prevention Week

Drowning prevention week is fast approaching, created by the Royal Life Saving Society seven years ago, #DrowningPreventionWeek aims to raise awareness around drowning, and share lifesaving information with families and swimmers so you can enjoy the water safely and #BeALifesaver.

The campaign has received an incredible amount of support over the years and with closures of public pools and reduced charity support, it is vital to show our support for RLSS.

SPSC is proud to announce that we will be working in collaboration with the RLSS during this period to bring you lifesaving information. The RLSS were happy to announce there has been a decline in accidental drownings over the years, but even one drowning per year is too many. Last year, during Drowning Prevention Week, RLSS UK had achieved:

• A reach of 2 million people with practical water safety information
• A reach of 18 million people through social media
• Delivery of water safety lessons in 1650 leisure centres

The focus of this year’s campaign is to empower individuals and families, by providing them with the skills and information they require to #BeALifesvaer and safely enjoy the water. This campaign is now more crucial than ever, during the warmer months there is a spike in fatal drowning across the UK and Ireland, the RLSS are particularly concerned this year due to the impacts of COVID-19, to name a few:

• Stretched emergency services and lifeguards
• Closure of safe swimming venues, such as swimming pools
• An increase in public activity

For these reasons, this year’s campaign appeals to families and swimmers to take extra care around the water, asking them to be their families’ lifeguards, and #BeALifesaver. Over the coming week we will be posting pool safety information in the hope it will reach as many people as possible.

Want to get involved? Drowning prevention is a topic close to many people’s hearts, there are a number of ways you can help the cause! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s campaign will be limited to social media, meaning every share counts. You can help in the following ways:

• Support our campaign and join us in raising awareness by promoting and sharing #DrowningPreventionWeek to your friends, colleagues and loved ones
• Encourage your local community to access RLSS materials and online lessons for swim safety
• Distribute swim safety information within your community, with safe swim venues being temporarily closed, the responsibility of lifeguard falls on individuals.

By spreading this information to your friends and loved ones, you can equip them with the skills to safely enjoy water.

Visit: https://www.rlss.org.uk/share-drowning-prevention-week for more information on how you can #BeALifesaver.