Scotland's drowning rate double UK average

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “The high drowning rates reported in Scotland emphasise how important it is that families are aware of the importance of water safety and have the correct knowledge to make the right decisions around water.

“With warmer summer days, we will inevitably see people flock to open water sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as taking opportunities to enjoy water at home in the garden. We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy water this summer, by having the knowledge to do so safely.”

Graham McCallum, Club Development Officer for Scotland at RLSS UK, is supporting RLSS UK affiliated clubs across the region.

Graham said: “Water safety education is a high priority across all regions of Scotland. From Shetland to the Borders, Scotland boasts some of the most beautiful waters and coastlines in the UK, but these areas can also pose risks and so knowing how to stay safe is vital.”

Mr Croxall continued: “Bringing water safety to the forefront of everyone’s mind, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it comes to being safe in, on and around water during the summer months and beyond.”

During the 2023 campaign, RLSS UK materials and resources were used to educate over 1.85 million children in vital water safety knowledge and skills.

Mr Croxall added: “For this year’s Drowning Prevention Week campaign, we are looking to educate even more young people on water safety, providing children with the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.”

For Drowning Prevention Week, RLSS UK has a range of free new and updated educational resources available on its website for children, including lesson plans for schools and downloadable resources for parents, as well as an engaging video animation to support families in learning the Water Safety Code.

For more information around Drowning Prevention Week, visit www.rlss.org.uk/dpw