With summer just around the corner, our childrens' thoughts inevitably turn to that of seaside trips and backyard padding pools – all of which invariably give rise to concern among parents everywhere.
However, the Drowning Prevention Charity are eager to remind the public that water safety should not simply be the reserve of summer months, and aim to raise awareness of water danger around the home the whole year around.
Launching its national Spring Clean awareness campaign, the charity which is part of the Royal Life Saving Society UK encourages parents and carers to follow some simple guidelines in order to minimise the risks associated with water.
Running online from the 21st to the 25th of March, the campaign focuses its attention on the ways in which we can prevent accidents around the home.
From emptying paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used to always pulling the plug on the bath, the campaign acts as a stark reminder how simple it is to lose a loved on to drowning in our own homes.
Commenting on the launch, Di Steer, RLSS UK Chief Executive, said: “Drowning can happen very quickly and in less than 2cm of water, so filled bath tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous. There is a real risk of drowning in the home and garden.”
Opening up about her own experience, Lucy Herd who lost her 23-month-old son Jack to drowning in 2010, said: “Since losing Jack, I have been supporting RLSS UK in the delivery of water safety and drowning prevention messages to raise awareness of the dangers of water, particularly in the home.”
“Losing Jack has affected everyone in his life. I don’t want anymore children to drown like Jack did," she explained. "It only takes a split second for a tragedy to happen.”
“Please, please listen to RLSS UK’s water safety advice to prevent losing anymore precious little lives,” she urged. “I hope by sharing my story and working with the RLSS UK it will reduce the number of people who lose their life to drowning.”
Be sure to find out more here.
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