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RoSPA is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is a registered charity established over 80 years ago and aims to campaign for change, influence opinion, contribute to debate, educate and inform - for the good of all.
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663 deaths due to fire |
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8600 persons rescued from fire |
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569 drownings |
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? Persons rescued from water* |
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375 inland drownings |
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248 rivers, streams etc |
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Most at risk are males aged 15 – 35 and able to swim |
* The figures for persons rescued from water is always an unknown quantity as once a person is rescued they often return home and are not counted
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Fast flowing waters such as The Weir in Castlefields, Shrewsbury, are often the scene where people risk their lives swimming
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Drowning is a final and deadly condition. There is little chance for those that get into difficulties in water, especially water that is deep, fast flowing and cold.
Most of those who cannot swim will drown in a few seconds, together with, sadly those that can swim who were compelled to attempt often ill-conceived rescue attempts, the rescuer who became a victim.
 Drowning Trends in Inland Waters (::PDF:docs/emergency-service/water-safety/drowning-trends-in-inland-waters.pdf::)
The number of accidental drownings in the UK is falling:
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1999 |
569 |
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2000 |
448 (foot and mouth epidemic) |
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2001 |
430 |
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2002 |
429 |
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The majority of drowning victims are males aged between 15 and 45, with a monthly peak in August when 63 people drowned.
Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death among the under 16s. Young people who drown are often victims of their own misjudgement of their swimming ability. They may view a river or lake as a tempting means of cooling off in a hot spell but fail to appreciate the harmful effects that the cold water can have on their stamina and strength.
In order to counter the dangers personnel working near, on or in water may be exposed to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service undertook an extensive review of it’s operating procedures.
Water Safety Awareness Campaign
Be Safe Around Water - Don't Drink and Drown
Bridgnorth District Community Safety Partnership in association with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
Further information
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