Saturday July 25th is World Drowning Prevention Day, an event that reminds us all that drowning is preventable and how some simple tips could save lives. 

There have been numerous water-related deaths across the UK this year, with many sadly involving children. 

World Drowning Prevention Day's message is simple: Anyone can drown, no one should. 

Find Your Float 

The National Water Safety Forum's campaign 'Find Your Float' encourages people to safely practice floating. 

Floating is a simple skill that is an effective survival technique in the water, but everyone floats differently. 

The RNLI suggests the following steps for its 'Float to Live' guidance: 

1. Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
2. Relax and control your breathing
3. Move your hands and legs to stay afloat
4. If your legs sink, do not panic

Practicing at a supervised location, such as a swimming pool, is the best way to find your float. Anyone who cannot do that should follow the 'Float to Live' instructions. 

Respect the water

Swimming in unsupervised outdoor locations is not advised for many reasons. 

Cold water shock, underwater debris and a lack of escape routes all make open water swimming extremely risky. 

On the RNLI website, you can find your nearest lifeguarded beach (www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches). That includes Crosby beach, which has a lifeguard presence all year round, though it is important to remember that it isn't a bathing beach. 

Even those swimming on lifeguarded beaches must respect the water. Tides are powerful and always changing, so it is important to check tide times. 

All lifeguarded beaches have a sign at the entrance with key information such as high and low tides, but you can also find tide information online. 

In case of emergency 

If the worst happens and someone gets into trouble, the advice offered by the National Water Safety Forum is Phone, Float, Throw. 

• Phone 999 to get help 

• Tell the person in the water to stay calm and float on their back 

• Throw rescue equipment to help them until the emergency services arrive 

When calling 999, ask for the Coastguard to ensure that help arrives as quickly as possible. 

It is important to give emergency services as much space as possible to work when they arrive and to make it clear where the emergency is, especially on busy days. 

World Drowning Prevention Day is an event established by the World Health Organisation. In 2021, the UN General Assembly declared that drowning is preventable and a global public health issue. 

While Sefton Council shares water safety advice throughout the year, this day offers an opportunity to remind everyone how to avoid tragedy. 

As well as visiting the RNLI or National Water Safety Forum websites, you can find information about water safety in Sefton at www.sefton.gov.uk/water-safety.