RNLI lifesaving campaign 29/7/14
A campaign alerting the public to the dangers of drowning has been launched by the
RNLI following the deaths of 150 people around the Scottish coast.
The organisation says 39 people accidentally lost their lives in 2013 bringing a
four year total to 150 deaths.
The charity, which saves lives at sea, says it is often everyday use of the coast
and sea which results in fatalities and not necessarily adrenaline sports and rough
weather, or water-based activities.
Slips and falls while walking and running are the most common cause of deaths in
Scotland, accounting for 21% over the four-year period. Commercial use of the water
and diving also account for significant proportions of the coastal fatalities in
Scotland, at 14% and 13% respectively.
A large proportion (14%) of the fatalities were people who were recovered from the
water but whose reason for being there was unknown. For those who enter the water,
intentionally or otherwise, cold water shock is a significant danger.
Even if the air temperature is warm, the UK sea temperature is cold enough year-round
to trigger cold water shock – the average UK sea temperature is just 12ºC but cold
water shock can set in at any temperature below 15ºC. It causes uncontrollable gasping,
which draws water into the lungs.
The RNLI is warning people to be aware of the effects of cold water shock and to
acclimatise gradually when getting in to the water.
Michael Avril, the RNLI’s Community Incident Reduction Manager in Scotland, said:
‘With more people losing their lives at the coast each year than are killed in cycling
accidents, we’re trying to make people, particularly men, realise that they are at
risk from drowning if they don’t follow some basic but important safety advice.
‘Of course we want people to go to the coast and enjoy it – we’re lucky to have an
exceptional coastline around Scotland – but we want people to understand there are
risks, and that they should not underestimate the power of the sea.
‘Anyone planning a trip to the coast should remember to take care – even if they’re
just planning a walk or run along the coastline, they could be at risk if they slip
or fall into the water. We’re encouraging people to make the most of the coast but
to do so safely by sticking to marked paths, staying away from cliff edges and reading
safety signs.
‘Cold water shock is a particular hazard in Scotland for those who enter the water,
intentionally or otherwise. The UK sea temperature is cold enough year-round to trigger
cold water shock – not many people know that. If you’re getting into the water, acclimatise
gradually in shallow water.”