A DRAMATIC rise in alcohol and drug related drownings in Warwickshire has prompted a warning to residents from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).
The charity is urging people in Warwickshire – particularly men – not to walk home alongside water after they have been drinking this December, as part of the national Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.
Warwickshire was named ‘high risk’ by RLSS after figures revealed five people drowned in the county in 2019, three of whom were found to have had alcohol or drugs in their system – triple the 2018 figure.
Out of the 13 people who drowned over the last five years, six of them were found to be intoxicated.
The majority of alcohol and drug related drownings happen when a person accidentally falls in water while waking home from a night out.
Despite the Tier 3 restrictions in Warwickshire scuppering people’s plans of celebrating the festivities in the high street this year, there is still concern that people could fall into cold water whilst intoxicated.
RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton said: “With more people choosing to drink at home this December, there is a real temptation to enjoy more generous measures. Many people will want to spend time in their family bubbles and then return home later to avoid the extended contact of staying overnight.
“While we’re all in need of some fun and relaxation after this unprecedented year, we want to ensure that everyone is safely still here to welcome in 2021.
“Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to survive in water and we strongly urge everyone to avoid walking home near water in the darkness, and particularly if they are on their own.”
RLSS UK is calling on everyone to be mindful of potential risks, and to carefully plan their route home.
Visit www.rlss.org.uk for more information on the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.
