RNLI launches Scottish coast danger campaign
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE RNLI has launched its biggest ever campaign to make people aware of the dangers of Scotland’s coastline.
The charity’s aim is to reduce the number of drownings.
Fatality figures released today (Thursday) by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution show 24 people lost their lives around Scotland’s coast last year. But two-thirds didn’t even set out to enter the water.
The number of near-misses was even higher, with the RNLI’s lifeboat crews in Scotland saving 51 lives in 2014.
The figures are revealed as the charity launches its 2015 national drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, warning people that our coastlines and waters can be dangerously unpredictable.
The charity is also releasing two hard-hitting campaign films, which will be shown in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from tomorrow.
Of the 174 people who died over the past five years, over half were taking part in activities like walking, running, climbing and boating and were, therefore, unlikely to have intended to be in the water.
Slips and falls while walking and running contributed to the most coastal deaths in Scotland, accounting for 24% (41).
Commercial use of the water accounted for 14% (24); swimming, jumping in and general leisure use 9% (15), and the specialist activities of diving and angling accounted for 13% (22) and 6% (11) of the fatalities respectively.
Men are far more prone to getting into danger at the coast than women. Almost three-quarters (74%) of the deaths over the five-year period were men 3. Last year, a staggering 92% (22) of those who died were men.
Michael Avril, RNLI community incident reduction manager for Scotland, said: "Most people heading for a stroll or run along the coastline probably wouldn’t consider a drowning prevention campaign like this relevant to them as they have no plans at all to enter the water.
"We’re warning people that if they’re going near the water, whatever their activity, they could be at risk and they need to take care. Unexpected dangers like slippery rocks, sudden waves or unstable ground can catch anyone out."
The charity is also warning people of the unpredictability of the water, including the dangers of cold water and rip currents.
• Further information on the Respect the Water campaign is available on the website: www.rnli.org/respectthewater or search #RespectTheWater on social media.
