As schools break up for the summer, a Wiltshire-based swimming charity is urging people to exercise caution in the water, aligning their message with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th.
SwimTayka, a charity dedicated to providing swimming lessons in areas where children have little to no access, is highlighting the increased risk of drowning during the summer months. With this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day theme being ‘Anyone can drown, no one should’, the charity is stressing the importance of water safety.
In 2022, the UK witnessed 226 accidental drowning fatalities, nearly half of which occurred during the summer. Bryan Avery, founder of SwimTayka, attributes the rise to the combination of warm weather and the school holidays, which lead to more people swimming.
“Swimming on a hot day is very tempting, and with children off school there is plenty of opportunity, but we would urge everyone to swim only in safe locations, like pools or beaches where there are lifeguards,” said Avery. “Swimming is a fantastic activity and an essential life skill, but even able swimmers can get into difficulties.”
World Drowning Prevention Day, endorsed by the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO), was established in 2021 to raise awareness of the preventability of drowning. Over the past decade, drowning has led to more than 2.5 million preventable deaths. In 2019 alone, an estimated 235,600 people drowned, averaging 650 deaths daily. Drowning remains one of the top ten causes of death for children and young people.
The WHO has identified several measures to prevent drowning, including teaching basic swimming, water safety, and safe rescue skills to schoolchildren. This is where SwimTayka plays a crucial role. Founded six years ago, the charity runs free swimming programmes in countries such as Peru, Brazil, and Mozambique, targeting waterside communities where the risk of drowning is significant. These programmes are supported by trained staff and volunteers, many of whom come from the UK to offer their expertise.
For more information about SwimTayka and volunteering opportunities, visit SwimTayka.
