Maritime and Coastguard Agency
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Brixham Coastguard warn 'don't drink and drown'
With a recent spate of good weather along the South coast, and the holiday season about to get under way, Brixham Coastguard are reminding members of the public looking to enjoy the British coastline this summer that water and alcohol do not mix, using words from our annual campaign; "Don't drink and drown."
Brixham Coastguard who co-ordinate incidents around some of the UKs most popular beaches and resorts, regularly coordinate incidents at this time of year where alcohol has played a major part, including people jumping from height into shallow water, swimming, surfing or fishing on rocks whilst under the influence of alcohol.
Zoe Boyne, Watch Manager at Brixham Coastguard said:
"7,000 people have drowned in the UK in the last 15 years, and alcohol has said to have contributed to at least 1 in 7 of these deaths. That's over 60 people a year dying unnecessarily through drinking alcohol and undertaking activities in or around the water.
With the recent good weather over the last few weeks more people are visiting the beach or coastline to enjoy a warm summer's evening, and whilst we would encourage them to enjoy the beautiful coastline Devon and Cornwall has to offer we would also like to remind them of the dangers of alcohol in this kind of setting.
Swimming or jumping into water might seem like a great idea on a balmy evening, but sea temperatures at this time of year are not the same as countries with warmer climes, and hypothermia can set in as quickly as thirty minutes. Couple this with being under the influence of alcohol and not only does this increase the onset of hypothermia, it will also impair your judgement and impede your coordination, as well as encouraging the kind of risk taking behaviour that can often result in injury or fatality.
Drink and stupidity has played major parts in incidents in Devon and Cornwall already this year which is why we are warning members of the public to remember key safety messages when enjoying the coastline during the summer, and reminding them 'Don't Drink and Drown'.
Finally, if you do see anybody in difficulty on the shore line or at sea always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk
