Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) are supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) national Christmas ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ campaign and encouraging students to stay safe and clear of the water this festive period.
The campaign specifically targets those aged 18-25, as 46% of accidental drownings in this age group involve alcohol and/or drugs. The campaign encourages individuals to take responsibility for their friends when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, helping them to avoid dangerous routes by water and return home safely.
As part of the national Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, run by the UK RLSS UK, MAWWFRS are urging students to make good choices, look after one another and make sure that routes home after a night out are away from the water.
Rob Tovey Water Safety Manager at MAWWFRS said:
“Every year, lives are tragically lost when people enter the water while under the influence of alcohol or drugs - sometimes intentionally, but more often by accident. Substances can severely reduce your ability to stay safe and survive in water.
“Most drownings linked to alcohol happen when someone falls in unexpectedly, often while walking home alone near water. If you’ve been drinking, the safest choice is to keep away from the water.
“As the festive season approaches, we know nights out are something to look forward to. That’s why we’re asking for ‘mate’ to step up - if a friend is heading home after drinking, make sure they have a safe route. Look out for one another #BeAMate”
This year, RLSS UK aims to continue to drive down the rate of alcohol-related fatalities in, what are usually, completely avoidable tragic incidents. Their #BeAMate campaign message will encourage people to:
- Look out for your friends, make sure they get home safely.
- Stay away from the water, if you’ve had a drink.
- Find an alternative route home, don’t walk home near the water.
- Stay away from the water in winter, cold water shock kills.
For more information on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, visit www.rlss.org.uk.