Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the launch of RNLI's Respect the Water campaign today to help keep people safer around our coasts.
British waters are dangerously unpredictable. Over 200 people accidentally die each year around our coast and RNLI (the Royal National Lifeboat Institution) want to change this. The Respect the Water campaign aims at drowning prevention. It highlights the risks associated with water and provides information to help people avoid them and stay safe.
Half of those who died in coastal waters never even intended to get wet but slipped, fell, or got into trouble in, on or by the water. RNLI highlights the importance of recognising water's dangers and never underestimating its power.
Caroline met with representatives from RNLI in Parliament to hear more about their campaign. Commenting on the launch, she said:
"Being an MP for a coastal constituency, I know full well how important it is that we promote water safety. This is a big issue locally and GAFIRS (Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service) do an amazing job at keeping us safe - they have already responded to 45 incidents since 1 January 2016.
"While we enjoy our fantastic coastal location this summer, it is right that we also respect the power of the water and take care to avoid potentially devastating situations."
GAFIRS, an independent Lifeboat & Inshore Rescue Service, provides emergency lifeboat services in the Solent and Portsmouth Harbour. On 17 July 2016, they are hosting an open day to give the local community the chance to see some of their life saving units in action. They will be collecting 2p coins on the day to try and make up a mile of coins and raise money to help continue its vital work. More details are available here.
Please click here to find out more about the Respect the Water campaign and take the virtual challenge to find out whether you would know what to do if you fell into the water.
