I’m supporting the ‘Stay Safe’ campaign aimed at preventing members of the public from drowning in quarry lakes, reservoirs and similar types of open water.

‘Stay Safe’ -; which is being promoted by the Mineral Productions Association, the Royal National Lifeboat Association, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Royal Life Saving Society -;is particularly keen to emphasise the risks posed by ‘cold water shock’.  This reaction to very cold water can cause a rapid and involuntary bout of gasping and water insulation, which can be a threat to life within two minutes.

The campaign compliments the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2016 which aims to halve the 400 accidental drownings that occur across the UK each year. It’s important that we raise awareness of cold water shock and drowning, especially among our young people who perhaps are most at risk.