Find your float this World Drowning Prevention Day
The Norfolk Water Safety Forum is encouraging people to learn a lifesaving skill and 'find their float' this World Drowning Prevention Day, Friday 25 July.
Last year, Norfolk was the county with the third highest number of fatalities in the water in England, with nine people having sadly lost their life through drowning in 2024.
The Forum, which is made up of partners including the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Norfolk Constabulary and The Broads Authority, works to help keep people safe in the water and prevent water-related deaths, through collaboration, safety events and education.
It is holding a Find Your Float event at Whitlingham Broad on Friday 25 July for people to learn more about what to do if they get into difficulty in the water. Members of the public are invited to come along, to watch water rescue exercises take place, meet the teams involved and find out more about water safety. There will also be activities for children to take part in.
Liz Hustler from HM Coastguard, who is co-chair of the Norfolk Water Safety Forum, said: "Norfolk is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic Broads, and we are proud that it is not only loved by those who live here but also those who choose it as a holiday destination.
"The Norfolk Water Safety Forum wants everyone to enjoy the water safely in Norfolk, from swimming between the flags at our beaches to wearing a buoyancy aid when boating or doing watersports.
"We also want people to learn about Float to Live - that if you get into difficulty in the water, floating on your back and regaining your breathing can really help you."
How to Float to Live:
- Lie on your back in the water with your ears submerged
- Relax and control your breathing
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- Your legs may sink - that's OK, everyone floats differently
- Practice floating - at a supervised location such as a swimming pool
In April 2021, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly affirmed drowning as a preventable global public health issue and declared the 25 July World Drowning Prevention Day.
Find Your Float is the National Water Safety Forum's campaign for World Drowning Prevention Day, which is led by the World Health Organization.
For more information about staying safe in the water visit Norfolk Water Safety Forum | Norfolk PCC.
