Water safety could save children's lives
May 29, 2003 12:00 AM
Liberal Democrat health and safety spokesperson Liz Lynne MEP is highlighting the importance of taking safety precautions around water after it was revealed that it was the 2nd leading cause of injury death to children in the EU.
The European Child Safety Alliance, an umbrella group for safety organisations across Europe (including the Royal Society for the Protection of Accidents and Child Accident Prevention Trust in the UK), has launched a campaign to highlight the dangers associated with water and to advise on practical steps to reduce them.
The UK has a significantly better record than many EU countries, with drowning rates 3 times lower than Finland, Austria and the Netherlands. 44% of UK drowning related deaths occurred in streams and rivers. 50% of those who died could swim.
Commenting, Liz Lynne said:
"Most UK deaths occur abroad, so it is ideal that the safety organisations across Europe are working closely together to ensure they provide consistent information across the continent. And now is an ideal time to be launching this campaign as people look forward to their summer holidays."
"Many deaths could be prevented by taking a few simple precautions - even something as simple as inspecting the area for hazards before letting children enter the water could save lives. And I would urge people to learn CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) if they do not know already."
"The Alliance is also calling on the EU and European countries to work together to require isolation fencing around open bodies of water and to assist in the establishment of International Water Safety Codes and other forms of best practice."
"For more information, see http://www.childsafetyeurope.org/watersafety/
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