East Riding of Yorkshire Council is backing a national campaign to raise awareness of water safety following a tragic number of recent drownings across the UK.
East Riding of Yorkshire residents are being encouraged to remain highly vigilant regarding the dangers of open water as part of a major national safety initiative.
Drowning Prevention Week, which is recognised as one of the largest summer water safety campaigns across the United Kingdom and Ireland, is running from Saturday the 13th of June to Saturday the 20th of June.
The crucial safety drive is being actively supported by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and is spearheaded by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
The primary aim of the initiative is to significantly raise public awareness regarding water safety and to help reduce the severe risk of accidental drowning during the warmer summer months.
Organisers note that this year’s campaign arrives in the wake of a number of tragic water-related incidents across the United Kingdom.
Reports indicate that more than fifteen people lost their lives in the water over the recent half-term period, which tragically coincided with a spell of warm weather.
The safety campaign is keen to highlight that staying safe in the water is not solely dependent on a person's swimming ability or their confidence in the water.
Instead, experts warn that true water safety includes a comprehensive understanding of the specific dangers associated with open water environments.
These severe risks include the sudden onset of cold water shock, unseen hidden hazards beneath the surface, rapidly changing weather and tidal conditions, as well as potential illnesses linked to poor water quality.
Councillor Lyn Healing, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, said:
"Drowning Prevention Week provides an important opportunity to highlight the simple steps we can all take to remain safe in and around water. With increased numbers of people visiting our coast, swimming pools and open water during the warmer months, it is essential that families are aware of the risks and understand how to keep themselves and others safe. Residents should access the available resources, increase their awareness, and help share these potentially life-saving messages."
In response to the heightened risks, both residents and visitors to the Yorkshire Coast are being strongly encouraged to swim exclusively in designated safe swimming areas.
The local authority stresses that beachgoers should always follow the professional advice provided by on-duty lifeguards.
Currently, designated safe swimming areas are located at both Bridlington North Beach and Bridlington South Beach. Swimmers are reminded to stay strictly between the red and yellow lifeguard flags when entering the sea at these locations.
Furthermore, additional safe swimming areas will be operational in the coastal towns of Hornsea and Withernsea later in the summer season.
These specific zones will be actively monitored from Saturday the 4th of July through to Sunday the 6th of September.
Throughout the duration of Drowning Prevention Week, East Riding Leisure will be stepping up its efforts by delivering targeted educational sessions and activities.
These awareness-raising events will take place at selected sites across the region, including facilities in Withernsea and Beverley, as part of a wider programme designed to keep the public safe.
Practical advice and free resources to support water safety are available through the Royal Life Saving Society UK.
Meanwhile, additional summer health and safety guidance can be found via the council’s own public health campaign, which urges everyone to stay safe this summer.
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