Water Safety England (WSE) has released a new drowning prevention strategy, highlighted as part of ChronicleLive's Stay Water Safe campaign. The initiative aims to address what it describes as a 'long-standing and preventable' cause of death.
Key statistics and details
According to the report, 2,306 people died in water-related fatalities in England between 2019 and 2023. The North East, with its extensive coastline, is identified as a key focus area. WSE is a national partnership network comprising charities, emergency services, local government representatives, landowners, education and swimming organisations, and academic experts.
The report acknowledges that preventing drowning in England is 'complex', stating: "Responsibilities for water safety are shared across many landowners, local authorities, emergency services, public bodies, voluntary organisations and community partners. Roles, powers, resources and priorities vary across the country, and no single statutory organisation has overall responsibility for drowning prevention in England."
Strategic aims
The strategy outlines several key aims, including strengthening data and evidence, ensuring those affected by drowning are supported, creating equitable opportunities for water safety education, raising awareness through targeted interventions, advocating for clearer legal responsibilities, addressing climate change and extreme weather impacts, strengthening leadership, and supporting efforts to reduce water-related suicide.
