Going Blue For World Drowning Prevention Day On Monday 25 July

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting World Drowning Prevention Day. Led by the World Health Organisation, the day calls for people around the world to “do one thing” to prevent drowning.

To help raise awareness of the day, the service has arranged for a number of landmarks across the county including Blackpool Tower, the arches at both ends of Blackpool Promenade, Lytham Windmill, The Light Cube in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk Clock Tower to be lit blue during the evening of Monday 25 July

Drowning is one of the UK’s leading causes of accidental death. Each year more than 400 people drown after tripping, falling or just by underestimating the risks associated with being near water. Many more people are left with life changing injuries in water related incidents.

Just two weeks ago, our firefighters were involved in the search for Jamie Lewin who tragically died after getting into difficulty at Dawber Delph in Appley Bridge.

During periods of warm weather, we encourage people to never swim alone, don’t swim too far from the shore and find open water where there is a lifeguard. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock. Despite the air temperature being warm, the water is usually a lot colder than it looks and if there is a current, it could be a lot stronger than you think