Drownings in the UK : 2001
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The drowning problem
RoSPA’s compilation of annual UK drowning statistics since 1983, has shown that the pattern of the drowning problem has remained essentially the same.
A drowning prevention strategy relies on a knowledge and understanding of the problem, and identification of trends and ‘target’ areas. The figures help to identify who drowns, where they drown, and why.
The risk of drowning is small, with a death rate due to drowning of 0.8 per 100,000 in the UK each year. However, wherever someone is in, on or near water, the potential for drowning exists. It is essential therefore, that prevention measures are targeted towards the people and situations identified as ‘at risk’.
| Drownings in the UK 2001 by location | By activities/behaviour | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers, Streams etc. | 171 | 41% | Angling | |
| Coastal | 74 | 18% | From Land | 9 |
| Canals | 53 | 13% | From Boat | 7 |
| Lakes and Reservoirs | 52 | 12% | Total | 16 |
| Home Baths | 31 | 7% | ||
| Docks and Harbours | 14 | 3% | Fell in | 48 |
| Garden Ponds | 10 | 2% | Alcohol | 94 |
| Swimming Pools | 9 | 2% | Swimming | 33 |
| Other | 7 | 2% | Boating | 22 |
| Total | 421 | In Vehicles | 25 | |
| Playing | 10 | |||
| Rivers with most drownings | Sub-aqua | 18 | ||
| Thames | 26 | Canoeing | 5 | |
| Severn | 8 | Cycling | 1 | |
| Usk | 6 | |||
| Nene | 5 | |||
| Clyde | 4 | |||
| Tyne | 4 | |||
The drowning process
The coastal and inland waters of the United Kingdom remain cold throughout the year, even during the warmest summer months. These waters are often deep and frequently have strong currents. The survival time is limited for anyone who gets into difficulties in such water. Weak or non-swimmers may survive for only a few seconds in cold, deep or fast flowing water. Competent swimmers or those acclimatised to cold may be more able to get out alive, although they may simply take longer to drown.
Rescue should never be relied upon. Successful rescue usually depends on the presence and quick response of a skilled rescuer with some form of rescue equipment, and the ability of the victim to co-operate and not struggle.
Optimum conditions for rescue are seldom found, especially in those first few vital seconds before drowning occurs.
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