TWO councillors are hoping that Cumberland Council will officially mark World Drowning Prevention Day to raise awareness of water safety.

Councillors Chris Wills (Upperby, Liberal Democrats) and Brian Wernham (Stanwix Urban, Liberal Democrats) will propose a motion at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (July 25).

In April 2021, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly affirmed drowning as a preventable global public health issue and declared July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day.

In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued guidance for organisations on how to plan activities and events to mark the day.

The motion follows the tragic events where two teenagers died as a result of drowning in the River Eden earlier this summer.

Statistics show that:

  • There were 226 accidental fatalities in the UK in 2022 and 105 were during June, July and August;
  • Of the 226 fatalities, 151 were in England; 45 in Scotland; 22 in Wales; and 8 in Northern Ireland;
  • Inland waters, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries, continue to be the leading locations for accidental drowning, with 60 per cent of deaths;
  • Males continue to be over-represented, with 83 per cent of accidental fatalities;
  • Recreational activities accounted for 58 per cent of accidental fatalities.

Cllr Wills said: “These statistics are all too real in our council area because sadly on May 26 this year, four teenage boys got into difficulty in the River Eden in Carlisle which resulted in the tragic loss of two young lives, and our thoughts and condolences are with their families.

“Council therefore resolves to mark World Drowning Prevention Day annually on July 25 with activities and events to promote, amongst other things, swimming lessons and how to be safe in open water.

“The council recognises the vital role swimming pools play in our local community.

"Swimming pools are community hubs where people of all ages come together for fun, fitness, and sport.

“It is estimated that the enormous benefits swimming brings to people’s physical and mental health saves the NHS and Care Services £357 million each year across the UK.

“Cumberland affirms its commitment to providing top class swimming facilities across the authority area.”

Cllr Wills will urge the council to adopt the recommendations contained in Swim England’s Future of Swimming report from 2021 and should:

  • Undertake a strategic needs assessment to identify the investment needed to improve existing swimming pools in Cumberland, and to build new pools to address any future shortfall in the provision of local swimming facilities;
  • Bid for full government funding for the refurbishment works that are identified (and for new pools if required).

He said the council should also resolve to undertake an audit on the need for the provision of swimming instructors for both children and adults.

He added: “Council further requests that the chief executive writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to demand that the full £1billion of grant funding recommended in Swim England’s report, not the woefully inadequate £60million allocated in his Spring 2023 Budget, is made available to local authorities to refurbish and expand their swimming pool provision.”

Tuesday’s meeting will be at the Civic Centre in Carlisle and it is due to begin at 1pm.