Dear fellow swimmers
Your responsibilities as a swimmer
Earlier this month, Izaiah Smith, age 15, drowned in Beckenham Place Park in South London.
Sadly, his is unlikely to be the last teenage drowning death this summer. The RLSS reports that 51 children
drowned in UK inland waters in the last four years.
Warm weather draws people to water and, as most of you reading this will know, the temptation to swim is strong. Unfortunately, not all of those have the experience to properly assess risks. Nor do they how to deal
with an emergency, whether it's themselves or someone else in the water.
As swimmers, I believe we (and I mean all of you reading this newsletter) have the skills and knowledge - and therefore the responsibility - to help reduce drowning numbers.
First, please remind yourself of the risks in open water and how to keep yourself safe.
Second, read the RNLI's advice on how to help someone in difficulty in the
water. Note that they do not recommend entering the water to rescue someone. Even as a competent swimmer, you risk becoming a second casualty.
Third, consider how you can use your water knowledge or risk assessment skills to prevent accidents. If you see
someone acting in a risky way, do something. If you can (and I know it can be difficult approaching a group of boisterous teenagers), alert them to the risks. They may not have realised the danger. If speaking is not an option, then try calling the police on 101 for advice.
Finally, share your love of outdoor swimming. Encourage people - especially
young ones - to join you in the water and learn how to stay safe.
Let's do our bit to reduce drowning.
