Southport MP brings together over 50 Parliamentarians in support of Drowning Prevention Week

This Week, Mr. Moore brought together in Parliament the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS) CEO and Charity Director, lifeguards, Olympian Professor Greg Whyte OBE, Paralympian Ellie Robinson MBE, and over 50 other Parliamentarians to discuss the importance of spreading water safety awareness, as well as what practical steps could be taken in Southport to address the issue.

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Water Safety, Mr. Moore hosted the RLSS UK, the national charity and leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding training across the UK and Ireland, in order to bring its Drowning Prevention Week campaign to Westminster and help raise awareness around water safety.

At the event, Mr. Moore saw this guidance first-hand, including how to use throw lines, and tested out the cutting-edge equipment that is now being used to keep our shorelines and lakes safer than ever.

The RLSS UK also showed Mr. Moore and other Parliamentarians the charity’s brand-new animation aimed at educating parents and their children about water safety and starting conversations over how families can enjoy the water safely this summer. 

Over 400 people die every year in the UK and Ireland from accidental drowning, yet every drowning is avoidable. Of those who drown, some 40% had no intention of entering the water in the first place. Yet people should still feel free to enjoy the water, as with the correct education and awareness, this can be done safely.

Drowning Prevention Week, which began on the 18th June and continues until the 25th June, encourages the public to be ready to enjoy being in, on, or around water this summer by ensuring that they and their families have a good understanding of water safety.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport and Chair of the APPG on Water Safety, said:

“Every drowning is a tragedy, many of which are preventable, and so as Chair of the Parliament Group on Water Safety, it was a privilege to this week bring together 50 of my colleagues, alongside Olympians and the Royal Life Saving Society charity, to raise awareness around water safety.

“The RLSS's resolute mission for Drowning Prevention Week is to help people across the United Kingdom enjoy bodies of water safely and to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable on water safety. It is a mission that I feel passionately about and one that I will give my utmost effort to support and spread.

“I believe that only through greater understanding can we help prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries, and ultimately save lives. I encourage everyone in Southport to learn more about water safety using the RLSS’s resources. You never know whose life you could save.”

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said:

“With June, July, and August proving to be the months with the most fatalities, it is vitally important that everyone understands water safety, especially during the summer months. 

“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life.”

“It is fantastic to have Damien supporting our Drowning Prevention Week campaign and highlighting the issues surrounding water safety education and helping to educate communities in Southport.”

Olympian Professor Greg Whyte OBE, said:

“I have been privileged to work with the Royal Life Saving Society for many years, as we strive to spread awareness around water safety and help people to enjoy water safely.

“Every MP who came along to our event, and who helps us spread the message and awareness of this important campaign is helping us reach our ultimate goal of zero water deaths, and for that I am grateful.”

Paralympian Ellie Robinson MBE, said:

“While swimming ability is of course crucial, far more worrying is the statistic that some 40% of people who drown had no intention of entering the water in the first place. Only be spreading greater awareness of water safety can we help people to enjoy water safely and reduce fatalities.”