Charities invited to apply for £50,000 to help young people into work
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 respectthewater.com.
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