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Pembrokeshire Herald
5 days ago
- Climate
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Drowning danger rises in warm Welsh weather, warn safety experts
18 accidental water deaths already recorded in 2024 AS TEMPERATURES rise and more families flock to rivers, lakes and coastlines, Water Safety Wales is warning of an increased risk of drowning across the country. New figures released this week show that 18 people in Wales have already died in accidental water-related incidents in 2024, with officials warning that the real total could rise once coroners report on 19 additional cases. May 2024, officially recorded as the hottest May on record, also saw a notable increase in drownings compared to the previous year. Experts say the warmer air often masks the deadly danger posed by cold water temperatures. Despite the sunshine, open water in Wales – including rivers, lakes and even the sea – often remains below 16°C year-round. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, a powerful involuntary reaction that causes people to gasp, panic, and lose the ability to swim. Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: 'These latest figures on drowning deaths in Wales are deeply concerning. Each statistic represents a life lost and a family devastated. With the summer months approaching, it's crucial for everyone to prioritise water safety.' Data from the National Water Safety Forum's 2024 Water Incident Database (WAID) reveals that the majority of accidental drownings in Wales occurred in May, June, July, and November. Coastal waters were the most common location for fatalities, accounting for 56% of deaths, but rivers, lakes and reservoirs also posed significant risks. Recreational activities accounted for 67% of accidental deaths, including boating, angling, wild swimming and walking near water. Men continue to be disproportionately affected, making up 82% of fatalities, with the most at-risk age groups being 20–29, 50–59, and 70–79. Across the UK, 193 people died in accidental water-related incidents so far in 2024. Of these, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales, and 6 in Northern Ireland. Water Safety Wales is backing the National Water Safety Forum's Respect The Water campaign, which offers clear, practical advice aimed at saving lives. Members of the public are being urged to remember two key responses: If you fall into water: Float to live. Tilt your head back, with ears submerged Move your arms slowly and try to relax Once the cold water shock passes, shout for help If you see someone in trouble: Call, Tell, Throw. Call 999 immediately Tell them to float on their back Throw something that floats, such as a life ring or even a plastic bottle Water Safety Wales will continue promoting the campaign through the summer, with a particular focus around World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. For more details and life-saving tips, visit
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Young men most likely to drown despite drop in water-related deaths
While the overall number of water-related fatalities fell to 78 in 2024, the lowest level since 2018, recent statistics from 2024 suggest that young men are disproportionately affected. The Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) dashboard also provides more specific and in-depth live data, which is updated monthly. According to the published WAID figures, of the 33 accidental deaths, over half (55 per cent) occurred in coastal waters - a shift from the historical trend of inland waterway incidents. Recreational activities were involved in 46% of these fatalities, and April emerged as the deadliest month. READ MORE: Encouragingly, overall drownings and accidental drownings are at their lowest levels in Scotland, the accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60 per 100,000 people, continuing a downward trend. Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA's Senior Policy Manager, said: 'This year's figures show real progress; water-related fatalities in Scotland are at their lowest levels. However, this is not a time for complacency, as every water-related fatality is a tragedy. Last year's data show that young men were the most affected, with coastal waters currently the most common location for deaths, so we must continue to focus our efforts to address these concerns with targeted safety messages and interventions. "Fortunately, the introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) in May 2023 has helped to improve the quality and clarity of fatality data, reducing the number of 'not recorded' outcomes and has provided deeper insights into incident causes, which we will continue to use to help identify risk factors now and in the future.' Community Safety Minister Siobhain Brown said: 'My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends who have lost a loved one in a drowning accident. "I encourage everyone to protect themselves and others when in and around the water and to be aware that water temperature can vary drastically, as can currents and tides. It's well worth learning the Water Safety Code and using the resources of Water Safety Scotland so people can stay safe and prevent accidents in our waters.'
