Drowning Statistics 2001in the UK
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The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents The Royal Life Saving Society (UK)
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Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Contents
Chapter 1 Page Chapter 4 – The 2001 Statistics Page 1.1 The drowning problem 1 English counties 8 1.2 The drowning process 1 Northern Ireland 16 1.3 1 Why drownings occur Scottish regions 17 1.4 2 Drowning prevention Welsh counties 18 1.5 2 Four point water safety code The Channel Islands 19 Chapter 2 – Methodology 2.1 Data collection 3 Charts 2000, 2001 20-21 2.2 1998: new data collection initiative 3 UK drownings Drowning trend 1990–2001 22 2.3 Data analysis 3 2.4 Coding frame and interpretation 3
Chapter 3 – The 2001 Statistics 3.1 2001 statistics 4 3.2 Overall drowning rate 4 3.3 Drowning statistics developments 4
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Chapter 1
1.1 The drowning problem Rescue should never be relied upon. Successful rescue usually depends on the presence and quick response of a skilled rescuer RoSPA’s compilation of annual UK drowning statistics since 1983, with some form of rescue equipment, and the ability of the victim has shown that the pattern of the drowning problem has remained to co-operate and not struggle. essentially the same. Optimum conditions for rescue are seldom found, especially in A drowning prevention strategy relies on a knowledge and those first few vital seconds before drowning occurs. understanding of the problem, and identification of trends and ‘target’ areas. The figures help to identify who drowns, where 1.3 Why drownings occur they drown, and why. Death by accidental drowning can usually be accounted for The risk of drowning is small, with a death rate due to drowning through a variety of factors – the ‘drowning chain’: of 0.8 per 100,000 in the UK each year. However, wherever someone is in, on or near water, the potential for drowning exists. It is ● Ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of danger essential therefore, that prevention measures are targeted towards ● Uninformed or unrestricted access to the hazard the people and situations identified as ‘at risk’. ● Lack of supervision, especially of the young ● Inability to cope once in difficulties and the absence of 1.2 The drowning process rescuers and/or rescue equipment The coastal and inland waters of the United Kingdom remain cold Although each link in the ‘drowning chain’ may be contributory, throughout the year, even during the warmest summer months. the major cause of drowning is undoubtedly the first link – These waters are often deep and frequently have strong currents. ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of danger. After all, The survival time is limited for anyone who gets into difficulties in few would-be casualties would knowingly enter a lethal such water.Weak or non swimmers may survive for only a few situation. Some people however, do disregard their own safety, seconds in cold, deep or fast flowing water. Competent swimmers sometimes under the influence of alcohol, bravado or group or those acclimatised to cold may be more able to get out alive, pressure. Although they appear to know they are at risk, there is a although they may simply take longer to drown. failure to acknowledge the consequences of their own behaviour.
Back Contents Next Page 2 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001
The second link uninformed or unrestricted access to the hazard 1.5 Four point water safety code can prove fatal. The absence of warning notices, which may otherwise have deterred the potential casualty and inadequate or in, on, or beside water, always follow this code: vandalised fencing are fairly common examples of prevention failures in this respect. 1. Spot the dangers Water may look safe but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and Lack of supervision, the third link, is relevant where keep away from dangers. Know the difference. You may swim lifeguards or ranger patrols could prove valuable and with well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you youngsters, where competent supervision can be a valuable will be able to swim in cold outdoor water. preventive measure. 2. Take safety advice Lastly, the inability to cope once in the difficulties. Such an Special flags and notices may warn you of danger. Know what experience cannot be anticipated and the effect of being immersed they mean and do what they tell you. New places you visit may unexpectedly in cold water, whether attempting self-rescue have hidden dangers. Always ask someone who knows. or co-operating with rescuers, may be traumatic in the extreme. A strategy which relies on intervention at this stage will tend to be 3. Don’t go alone unsuccessful and therefore inadequate. Children should always go out with an adult, not by themselves.
1.4 Drowning prevention 4. Learn how to help You may be able to help yourself and others if you know what to Based on these statistics, RoSPA with the support of the National do in an emergency. Water Safety Committee, has developed a four point water safety code, aimed primarily at children in the hope that they will become ‘water wise’ and carry an element of water safety consciousness A full listing of our water safety resources can be obtained by sending a with them into adult life. This code now forms the central theme for large SAE to the Water and Leisure Safety Department at: most national water safety educational ‘campaigns’.The ‘Be Water Wise’ code outlined opposite is also available in leaflet form with RoSPA, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST additional information on relevant signage and safe rescue techniques (avoiding risk to the rescuer). or visit www.rospa.com
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Chapter 2 – Methodology
2.1 Data collection a joint initiative between RoSPA and the RLSS, in the hope that with access to more comprehensive data we can: In 1983, RoSPA set up a system for recording and analysing press 1 reported accidental drownings in the United Kingdom (England, . Continue to target educational programmes and preventive Scotland,Wales and Northern Ireland). Incidents in the Channel strategies at those groups identified as ‘at risk’. Islands and the Isle of Man are now also recorded and included 2. Reduce the number of accidental drownings in the UK. in the annual statistics and reports. 3. Provide comprehensive feedback in the form of accurate The principal aim of this recording is to identify drowning trends quantitative and qualitative data to subscribing constabularies. and to enable development of prevention strategies. There is no other national database on drowning readily available. 2.2 1998: New Data Collection Initiative 2.3 Data analysis From 1983 to 1997 RoSPA’s drowning statistics were based entirely on press reports of drowning incidents. These reports produced Reports of accidental drownings are analysed and common factors reasonable trend information from year to year and near extracted from each case, e.g. age, gender, location, activity, behaviour comprehensive coverage of the deaths of children and younger etc. The date recorded for an incident is the date of the drowning, people. There were gaps in other age groups, however, where no local however, that date is not always known. In such cases the date or national papers saw the need to report a drowning. In 1982 the shown will either be the date of the press report or the police report. Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) revived the system of gathering Murders and identifiable suicides are omitted from the analysis. police reports that had been collected by the Home Office in the Where a Coroner returns an open verdict on a drowning victim, this 1970’s . This report form gave a more consistent data set and recorded is included. all the incidents at which there was a police presence. There were however problems in persuading all forces to co-operate and gaps The data is published annually by RoSPA. in the data where the police did not attend. Research carried out by Professor Jo Sibert, Dr Alison Kemp and Dr Tim Ferguson at the 2.4 Coding frame and interpretation University of Wales School of Medicine in 1995 highlighted the Pages 6-8 show the fields of data and how this is input onto the discrepancies in both of these systems.The outcome of this research database. This may be useful as a guide to interpretation of the has been that since 1998 the systems have been combined through following tables of drowning incidents.
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Chapter 3 – The 2001 Statistics
3.1 2001 Statistics 3.3 Drowning statistics developments
The number of accidental drowning deaths in the UK has fallen for In an attempt to further improve the data, RoSPA is now keeping its the second year running, from 448 in 2000 to 421 in 2001. The foot- records open for past years and publishing updated figures in and-mouth disease outbreak, which severely restricted access to the subsequent annual reports (previously the records were closed at countryside throughout the spring and summer, is believed to be year-end). This acknowledges that some drownings are not confirmed the main factor behind the five per cent reduction. until after the publication of the drowning statistics.
3.2 Overall drowning rate In 2000 10% of the year’s total figure, were reported to RoSPA after the usual deadline. This delay in producing the figures caused by The reduction in the drowning rate means that for the whole of the extending the deadline has allowed RoSPA to research what types of United Kingdom the death rate due to accidental drowning was drownings may have been missed in the past and why. The results 0.76 per 100,000 of population. show that these include drownings where bodies are not found until much later and drownings where there is a delayed inquest. The biggest reduction – from 299 to 276 – was in drowning at inland open water sites, such as lakes, rivers and canals. These remain We will use this extra information to produce an annual revision of a major problem, with people still ignoring advice to only swim at the previous year’s statistics, which will be published with the current properly supervised swimming pools and beaches. Deaths among year’s statistics, for example the revised figure for 1999 is now 570. the under 15s remained static at 40. There was also no increase in In the future we will also look to compare our data with that of the the number of under fives who drowned in gardens, eight in total, Office for National Statistics (ONS). despite the continuing growth in the popularity of garden ponds and water features. In terms of information gathering we have – with our partners the RLSS UK and the University of Wales College of Medicine – revised Drowning in swimming pools fell from 13 to 10. Deaths at sea and significantly the drowning report form so that we are gathering along the coast dropped from 98 to 79, but there was an increase in information that is compatible with ONS data fields by including drowning in the home from 29 to 43, mainly involving elderly people. ICD 10 coding. This will allow us to cross-reference our data with their records of drowning currently included with the more general The distinction between non-accidental and accidental drowning categories of asphyxiation and water transport accidents. To increase deaths is important and compared to the 421 accidental drownings the speed and ease of data capture we are also planning to put this there were 68 recorded suicides and 14 cases of homicide. form online within a dedicated page of our website.
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Coding Frame
Computer Full Description of entered data Heading Heading
Source SOURCE Source of data – Press: press cuttings, Report: drowning report form, Both: received from both sources, BWReport: British Waterways Report. LOCATION Three classifications of water are made: WATER 1 TYPE 1 A broad description of location: HOME – home environment, e.g. bath RIVER – rivers, streams, brooks, etc. LAKE – lakes, reservoirs, ponds, etc. SEA – harbours, docks etc. POOL – swimming pools CANAL – locks, docks, etc. OTHER – specific location not listed above WATER 2 TYPE 2 A precise description of the type of water: (HOME) (RIVER) (SEA) (LAKE) (POOL) (CANAL) BATH BECK INSHORE LAGOON POOL (H) CANAL BUCKET BROOK 0-1 miles LAKE POOL (PU) LOCK (C) BUTT DITCH OFFSHORE LOCH POOL (PR) QUAY CESSPIT DOCK 1-5 miles MILLPOND SPA POOL FISHTANK DRAIN DOCK MOAT POND DYKE HARBOUR PIT TANK ESTUARY PIER POND DUSTBIN FORD POOL LOCK PUDDLE MARINA QUARRY QUAY RESERVOIR RIVER TANK STREAM TRENCH UNDERGROUND WEIR Letters in brackets after a word are to aid the computer in differentiating between terms that are used more than once, except in the case of swimming pools where bracketed letters also give the reader information: (H) is a domestic pool, (PU) a public pool and (PR) a private pool. WATER 3 TYPE 3 Water name if known e.g.THAMES River Thames WINDERMERE Lake Windermere
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Computer Full Description of entered data Heading Heading
ACTIVITY A description of the activity taking place immediately prior to the drowning or an indication that the body was ‘found’ is entered using two classifications: ACTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY 1 A broad description of activity/location: ON LAND IN WATER ON WATER ON ICE IN AIR ACTIVITY 2 ACTIVITY 2 A more specific description of the activity (ON LAND) (IN WATER) (ON WATER) (ON ICE) (IN AIR) CRAWLING BATHING AIRBED RESCUE ‘COPTOR CYCLING (in bath) BOATU (Unspec) (Helicopter) DIVE IN FLEEING BOATC (Cruiser) FELL IN FELL IN GJUMP BOATD (Dinghy) HANGGLIDER FISHING (Gorge jumping) BOATH (Houseboat) PLANE FLEEING FOUND BOATM (Motor) IN VEHICLE PLAYING BOATP (Power) JUMP IN RESCUE BOATS (Speed) MBIKE (e.g. by swimmer) BOATY (Yacht) (Motorbike) SUBAQUA CANOEING PLAYING SURFING FISHING SLEEPING SWIMMING RAFT SWINGING WORKING WINDSURFING WALKING WADING WORKING FOUND
RESCUE RESCUE If a rescue is attempted by another person Y – YES
RESUSCITATED RESUSCITATED If resuscitation is attempted Y – YES
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Computer Full Description of entered data Heading Heading
GENDER GENDER M – Male F – Female
AGE AGE Age entered in years e.g. 12 – a twelve year old 00 – less than a year old AA – adult of unknown age
SWIMMER SWIMMER N – Non Y – Yes P – Poor G – Good
DISABLED DISABLED M – Mentally ill/disabled P – Physically disabled E – Epileptic
PRESSURE PRESSURE If subjected to pressure leading to the drowning: GR – Group e.g. to maintain status DR – Drugs, solvents, etc.
ALCOHOL ALCOHOL If alcohol is linked to the drowning Y – Yes
INQUEST INQUEST Verdict entered if known: AC – Accidental death LC – Lack of care MI – Misadventure OP – Open verdict
COMMENTS COMMENTS Further details of each case are summarised here
Back Contents Next Page 8 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
231 PRESS 2 2 CIS ALDERNEY OTHER MARSH ON LAND IN VEHICLE M 19 CAR LEFT ROAD, TURNED OVER AND ENDED UP IN 3' MARSH WATER
4 PRESS 9 1 CIS JERSEY ROZEL SEA INSHORE ON WATER FISHING M 50 WENT MISSING WHILST FISHING
18 REPORT 26 1 CIS JERSEY ST BRELADES SEA INSHORE ON WATER FISHING N M 36 Y SEE 19. BOAT BROKE UP ON ROCKS
19 REPORT 26 1 CIS JERSEY ST BRELADES SEA INSHORE ON WATER FISHING Y N M AA Y SEE 18. WASHED OFF BOAT. HEAVY SWELL
358 PRESS 23 12 ENG WILTSHIRE CAEN HILL CANAL CANAL KENNET AND AVON ON WATER BOAT M 63 Y AC FELL FROM BOAT AFTER DRINKING
102 PRESS 15 5 ENG BATH RIVER RIVER AVON ON LAND DIVED IN Y M 42 Y GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES MAY HAVE BEEN KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS
388 REPORT 30 8 ENG BEDFORDSHIRE HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN Y N M 1 MOTHER ON PHONE. CROSSED ROAD AND FELL IN POND
171 PRESS 30 7 ENG BEDFORDSHIRE LAKE LAKE ARLESEY ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y Y M 6 SEE 172, 173. FAMILY CAR PLUNGED INTO LAKE. 3 ADULTS ESCAPED
172 PRESS 30 7 ENG BEDFORDSHIRE LAKE LAKE ARLESEY ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y Y M 5 SEE 171, 173. FAMILY CAR PLUNGED INTO LAKE. 3 ADULTS ESCAPED
173 PRESS 30 7 ENG BEDFORDSHIRE LAKE LAKE ARLESEY ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y Y F 2 SEE 171, 172. FAMILY CAR PLUNGED INTO LAKE. 3 ADULTS ESCAPED
300 REPORT 12 11 ENG BERKSHIRE READING CANAL CANAL KENNET AND AVON IN WATER UNKNOWN N N M 40 OP
2 PRESS 11 1 ENG BERKSHIRE READING RIVER RIVER KENNET ON LAND FELL IN Y Y F 88 FELL IN FEEDING DUCKS. SWEPT AWAY BY CURRENT
297 REPORT 24 9 ENG BERKSHIRE RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 42 Y Y OP WENT MISSING FROM TENT AT CAMPSITE. FOUND IN WATER
123 PRESS 30 5 ENG BUCKINGHAMSHIRE UXBRIDGE RIVER RIVER FRAYS IN WATER UNKNOWN M AA FOUND LODGED IN WEIR
96 PRESS 20 4 ENG BUCKINGHAMSHIRE WALTON RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN M 70 M WENT MISSING FROM NURSING HOME
313 PRESS 14 11 ENG CAMBRIDGESHIRE GUYHIRM RIVER RIVER NENE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 51 WENT MISSING FROM HOME
60 PRESS 24 4 ENG CAMBRIDGESHIRE OFFORD CLUNY RIVER RIVER GREAT OUSE ON WATER BOAT(S) F 20 SEE 61. BOAT HIT WATER PROTECTION CHAIN ACROSS WEIR
61 PRESS 24 4 ENG CAMBRIDGESHIRE OFFORD CLUNY RIVER RIVER GREAT OUSE ON WATER BOAT(S) M 21 SEE 60. BOAT HIT WATER PROTECTION CHAIN ACROSS WATER
181 REPORT 20 8 ENG CAMBRIDGESHIRE ST NEOTS RIVER ON LAND FELL IN M 29 Y M AC NO LIFEJACKET
148 BOTH 28 7 ENG CHESHIRE CHESTER HOME POND ON LAND PLAYING Y Y F 2 FELL IN GARDEN POND
303 PRESS 24 10 ENG CHESHIRE NANTWICH CANAL LOCK LLANGOLLEN IN WATER UNKNOWN M 68
143 PRESS 18 7 ENG CHESHIRE NORTHWICH CANAL CANAL ON LAND IN VEHICLE M AA CAR PLUNGED INTO CANAL. WIFE ESCAPED
224 PRESS 19 9 ENG CHESHIRE WARRINGTON CANAL CANAL ON LAND WALKING F 68 WALKING ALONG TOWPATH AND FELL IN
127 REPORT 29 6 ENG CHESHIRE WARRINGTON RIVER RIVER MERSEY HOT ON LAND JUMP IN N N M 18 AC JUMPED IN DECIDED TO SWIM TO OTHER SIDE. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
215 REPORT 26 9 ENG CHESHIRE WARRINGTON RIVER RIVER MERSEY ON LAND UNKNOWN M 57 N REPORTED MISSING FROM HOME
66 REPORT 1 3 ENG CHESHIRE CANAL CANAL SHROPSHIRE UNION ON LAND WALKING N N M 36 Y Y AC
419 REPORT* 18 7 ENG CHESHIRE CANAL CANAL TRENT AND MERSEY ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 41 Y AC LOST CONTROL OF CAR AND LANDED IN CANAL
65 REPORT 21 4 ENG CHESHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING F 80
401 REPORT 3 6 ENG CHESHIRE OTHER DITCH ON LAND WORKING M 69 E&M Y AC COLLAPSED IN DITCH ON HAULAGE SITE, COULD NOT GET OUT
294 BOTH 29 11 ENG CLEVELAND REDCAR SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING M 41 POSSIBLY FOOLING ABOUT. GOT INTO DIFFICULTY
276 BOTH 2 9 ENG CLEVELAND RIVER RIVER TEES IN WATER UNKNOWN Y Y M 47 Y OP MAY HAVE FALLEN IN. VERY DRUNK
205 BOTH 7 9 ENG CORNWALL NEWQUAY SEA INSHORE IN WATER SURFING Y Y M 21 E AC SEE 204. INEXPERIENCED SURFERS CAUGHT BY RIP TIDE
204 BOTH 7 9 ENG CORNWALL NEWQUAY SEA INSHORE IN WATER SURFING Y Y M 50 AC SEE 205. INEXPERIENCED SURFERS CAUGHT BY RIP TIDE
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 9 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
274 REPORT 20 10 ENG CORNWALL PORTHLEVEN SEA INSHORE ROUGH ON LAND FISHING Y Y M 69 Y Y AC SWELL SWEPT HIM OUT TO SEA WHILST FISHING
400 REPORT 1 11 ENG CORNWALL ST JUST HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 52 E&M OP
47 PRESS 21 3 ENG CORNWALL RIVER RIVER FAL IN WATER FOUND M 25
124 PRESS 27 6 ENG CORNWALL SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 36 AC GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING. CAUGHT IN RIP TIDES
225 PRESS 25 9 ENG COUNTY DURHAM POOL POOL (PU) SPENNYMOOR LEISURE CENTRE IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y F 13 E POSSIBLY SUFFERED SEIZURE WHILST SWIMMING
323 REPORT 27 11 ENG CUMBRIA BARROW IN FURNESS SEA DOCK ON LAND WALKING M 40 DR Y OP DOMESTIC DISPUTE TOOK OVERDOSE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
390 REPORT 15 7 ENG CUMBRIA LAKE LAKE THIRLMERE IN WATER SWIMMING N M 32 Y MI
198 BOTH 3 9 ENG DERBYSHIRE CHESTERFIELD LAKE POND ON LAND JUMP IN M 22 FAILED TO RESURFACE AFTER JUMPING IN
395 BWREPORT 3 7 ENG DERBYSHIRE ILKESTON CANAL CANAL ON LAND CYCLING N M 33 E AC POSSIBLY HAD FIT WHILST CYCLING
3 PRESS 16 1 ENG DERBYSHIRE LAKE LAKE IN WATER FOUND F 33 M DEPRESSED. WALKED OUT OF HOSPITAL. FOUND IN LAKE
288 REPORT 12 11 ENG DERBYSHIRE LAKE RESERVOIR ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 72 OP
287 REPORT 12 11 ENG DERBYSHIRE RIVER RIVER ECCLESBOURNE ON LAND FELL IN Y Y F 44 Y AC HAD HISTORY OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AND DEPRESSION
184 REPORT 20 8 ENG DERBYSHIRE RIVER RIVER TRENT IN WATER FOUND Y N M 31 Y Y CROSSING RIVER
285 REPORT 12 11 ENG DERBYSHIRE RIVER RIVER TRENT HOT IN WATER SWIMMING Y N M 39 Y GR
423 PRESS 13 11 ENG DEVON BUCKFASTLEIGH HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 47 OP MAY HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP. SUFFERED FROM NARCOLEPSY
162 REPORT 7 8 ENG DEVON BUDLEIGH SALTERTON SEA INSHORE LYME BAY HOT ON LAND WALKING N F 75 N M
146 BOTH 25 7 ENG DEVON CROYDE BAY SEA INSHORE ON LAND FISHING Y Y M 31 Y AC FELL INTO WATER OFF A SAND BAR WHILST DRAG NET FISHING
286 BOTH 12 11 ENG DEVON CROYDE BAY SEA INSHORE IN WATER SURFING M 37 Y Y AC SURFING WITH FRIENDS. HAD BEEN DRINKING
21 PRESS 1 2 ENG DEVON DARTMOUTH RIVER RIVER DART IN WATER FOUND F 30 FOUND FLOATING IN RIVER
90 PRESS 11 4 ENG DEVON LYME REGIS SEA INSHORE ON LAND FELL IN M 30 AC MAY HAVE SLIPPED WHILST WALKING ALONG WALL
281 PRESS 27 10 ENG DEVON OKEHAMPTON RIVER VIADUCT FLOOD ON HORSE FELL IN Y Y F 12 AC PONY FRIGHTENED OF SURGING WATER BUCKED SUDDENLY
25 PRESS 9 2 ENG DEVON PLYMOUTH SEA DOCK DEVONPORT SAILOR ON LAND WALKING Y M 18 JUMPED BARRIER TO AVOID TRAFFIC. SLIPPED AND FELL IN
273 BOTH 22 10 ENG DEVON PLYMOUTH SEA INSHORE BOVISAND BEACH IN WATER SURFING Y Y F 33 KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS IN THRASHING WAVES
386 REPORT 10 8 ENG DEVON HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y F 16 AC FOUND IN BATH
277 REPORT 1 9 ENG DEVON RIVER RIVER EXE ON LAND UNKNOWN N N M 28 M
191 PRESS 13 8 ENG DEVON SEA BEACH IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 35 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES WHILST SWIMMING
259 REPORT 24 10 ENG DORSET SEA HARBOUR DOCK ON LAND WALKING N M 24 Y M DR OP
117 PRESS 26 5 ENG DORSET BOURNEMOUTH SEA INSHORE SWANAGE BAY IN WATER SUB AQUA M 51 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES DIVING
347 PRESS 6 12 ENG DORSET BOURNEMOUTH SEA INSHORE IN WATER PLAYING M 40 Y AC RAN INTO SEA WITH STAFF SKINNY DIPPING. DIFFICULTIES
282 PRESS 24 10 ENG DORSET BOURNEMOUTH SEA PIER IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 40 Y SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS. GOT INTO DIFFICULTY
166 PRESS 2 8 ENG DORSET CHARMOUTH HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING F 92 AC HAD HEART ATTACK IN BATH
48 PRESS 28 3 ENG DORSET CHRISTCHURCH RIVER RIVER AVON FAST FLOWING ON LAND FELL IN F 50’S
57 PRESS 8 4 ENG DORSET LYME REGIS SEA INSHORE FREAK WAVE ON LAND WALKING M 30’S WALKING ALONG HARBOUR WALL. SWEPT OUT TO SEA
424 PRESS 22 1 ENG DORSET STUDLAND SEA INSHORE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 30’S SEEN WADING INTO WATER
258 REPORT 25 6 ENG DORSET LAKE QUARRY HOT IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 21 Y DR Y NO LJ. DEPENDENT ON DRUGS
275 REPORT 24 10 ENG DURHAM REDCAR HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y M 54 N E LIVED IN RESIDENTIAL HOME
Back Contents Next Page 10 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
11 PRESS 5 2 ENG DURHAM SOUTH GARE SEA INSHORE ON LAND WALKING Y Y M 17 SWEPT OUT TO SEA. WITH FRIENDS
416 REPORT 9 6 ENG DURHAM RIVER RIVER WEAR ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 36 Y P Y DISPUTE WITH ANOTHER PERSON FELL DOWN STEEP BANK
45 PRESS 21 3 ENG DURHAM RIVER RIVER ON LAND JUMP IN M 21 THOUGHT HE WAS UNDER SURVEILLANCE FROM POLICE HELICOPTER
415 REPORT* 8 11 ENG EAST SUSSEX BRIGHTON SEA HARBOUR NEWHAVEN ON LAND WALKING N M 66 Y Y POSSIBLY FELL IN – VERY DRUNK
309 PRESS 22 11 ENG EAST SUSSEX BRIGHTON SEA HARBOUR NEWHAVEN HARBOUR IN WATER UNKNOWN M 72 OP WENT MISSING FROM HOME. HAD ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
180 REPORT 20 8 ENG EAST SUSSEX EASTBOURNE RIVER RIVER DRAIN ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 70 P Y AC RIDING MOBILITY SCOOTER
144 BOTH 13 7 ENG EAST SUSSEX EASTBOURNE SEA PIER EASTBOURNE PIER IN WATER UNKNOWN F 27 DR Y MI HAD TAKEN ECSTASY COCAINE AND ALCOHOL
152 PRESS 7 8 ENG EAST SUSSEX HAYWARDS HEATH LAKE LAKE ON LAND FELL IN Y Y F 87 DRIVING MOTORISED BUGGY AND CAREERED INTO LAKE
413 REPORT 26 11 ENG EAST SUSSEX SEA INSHORE ENGLISH CHANNEL ON LAND JUMP IN N M 65 OP FOUND ON BEACH AFTER BEING WASHED ASHORE
223 PRESS 19 9 ENG EAST YORKSHIRE HOWDEN RIVER RIVER OUSE ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 48 UNLOADING TIMBER FROM SHIP AND FELL IN
76 REPORT 24 5 ENG ESSEX CHELMSFORD RIVER DITCH ON LAND UNKNOWN N Y F 45 AC NO LJ
121 PRESS 4 6 ENG ESSEX COLCHESTER LAKE PIT ON LAND FISHING M 26 POSSIBLY HAD DIABETIC HYPO. FOUND IN WATER
229 BOTH 20 9 ENG ESSEX COLCHESTER LAKE LAGER PITS FISHING COMPLEX ON LAND FISHING Y M 26 Y P AC MAY HAVE FALLEN IN. WAS DIABETIC AND ASTHMATIC
301 PRESS 3 11 ENG ESSEX COLCHESTER RIVER RIVER ORWELL IN WATER FOUND M 17 AT AN ILLEGAL RAVE NIGHT BEFORE
22 PRESS 2 2 ENG ESSEX CROXTONS MILL LAKE MILLPOND IN WATER FOUND M 82 WORKING AS A GARDENER
237 PRESS 20 9 ENG ESSEX DAGENHAM LAKE LAKE BARKING PARK IN WATER UNKNOWN M 52 FOUND FLOATING IN WATER
51 PRESS 2 4 ENG ESSEX HARLOW POOL POOL (H) IN WATER UNKNOWN M 31 AC FOUND IN SWIMMING POOL
255 PRESS 11 10 ENG ESSEX MALDEN LAKE LAKE MARINE LAKE IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 92 P OP FOUND IN LAKE. MOTORISED BUGGY NEARBY
405 PRESS 13 8 ENG ESSEX SOUTH BENFLEET LAKE IN WATER FOUND M 40'S FOUND IN WATER
114 PRESS 23 5 ENG ESSEX SOUTH OCKENDEN LAKE LAKE ON LAND FLEEING M 26 JUMPED IN FLEEING FROM GIRLFRIEND’S STEPFATHER
213 REPORT 26 9 ENG ESSEX SEA INSHORE IN WATER UNKNOWN N F 62 Y M OP SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION
219 PRESS 13 9 ENG GLOUCESTERSHIRE LYDNEY RIVER RIVER SEVERN IN WATER UNKNOWN M 45 OP HAD SUFFERED FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA
376 REPORT 28 11 ENG GT LONDON GREENWICH RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 33
377 REPORT 31 12 ENG GT LONDON KINGSTON RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 49
88 PRESS 6 4 ENG GT LONDON NEW MALDEN POOL POOL (PU) IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M AA Y FOUND AT BOTTOM OF POOL
331 BWREPORT 15 4 ENG GT LONDON NORTH ACTON CANAL CANAL GRAND UNION IN WATER UNKNOWN M 63 Y
332 BWREPORT 28 1 ENG GT LONDON PADDINGTON CANAL CANAL GRAND UNION IN WATER UNKNOWN M AA OP
380 REPORT 10 8 ENG GT LONDON SOUTHWARK RIVER RIVER THAMES M50Y Y
365 PRESS 7 12 ENG GT LONDON WAPPING RIVER DOCK ST CATHERINES IN WATER UNKNOWN M 21 WENT MISSING AFTER CHRISTMAS PARTY
373 REPORT 27 7 ENG GT LONDON WAPPING RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND JUMP IN Y M 20 N OP VICTIM SWAM AWAY FROM POLICE LAUNCH
374 REPORT 11 12 ENG GT LONDON WAPPING RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN M 63
408 PRESS 28 9 ENG GT LONDON WINDSOR RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN M 24 OP WENT MISSING FROM HOME
324 BWREPORT 25 9 ENG GT LONDON CANAL CANAL REGENTS IN WATER UNKNOWN M 22 Y
325 BWREPORT 31 5 ENG GT LONDON CANAL CANAL IN WATER UNKNOWN M 25 MAY HAVE FALLEN IN HAVING PHOTO TAKEN
105 PRESS 16 5 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER DOCK VICTORIA DOCK ON LAND JUMP IN Y M 20 PLAYING AROUND. LIFELINE THROWN BUT TOO SHORT
74 BOTH 12 4 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER FOUND N M 29 OP FOUND IN WATER
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 11 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
260 REPORT 24 1 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES WATERLOO BRIDGE ON LAND JUMP IN Y M 45 M MI NO LJ. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING
263 REPORT 6 4 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN Y Y M 69 Y OP NO LJ. WENT MISSING FROM HOME
264 REPORT 6 4 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 59
265 REPORT 12 4 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN F 39
266 REPORT 30 4 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN M 83 REPORTED MISSING. FOUND ON FORESHORE
267 REPORT 2 6 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN M 58 REPORTED MISSING. FOUND ON FORESHORE
268 REPORT 15 6 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 30 M AC REPORTED MISSING FROM ST THOMAS’S HOSPITAL
269 REPORT 14 1 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 48 M OP NO LJ. MISSING 12 HOURS. FOUND ON FORESHORE
270 REPORT 22 1 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN N F 50 OP NO LJ. WENT MISSING. FOUND FLOATING IN RIVER
261 REPORT 3 2 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN N F 68 M OP NO LJ.
246 REPORT 16 2 ENG GT LONDON HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING F 40 AC
245 REPORT 28 5 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND UNKNOWN M 54 OP WENT MISSING FROM HOME
375 REPORT 9 12 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES HUNGERFORD BRIDGE ON LAND PLAYING M 25 AC SWINGING FROM SCAFFOLDING AND FELL IN
378 REPORT 3 9 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES DEPTFORD CREEK IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 56 OP
381 REPORT 3 10 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 52 M OP
382 REPORT 18 8 ENG GT LONDON RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND JUMP IN Y M AA N
14 PRESS 31 1 ENG GT MANCHESTER BURY RIVER RIVER IRWELL SWOLLEN RIVER ON LAND FELL IN Y M 70 FELT ILL WHILST WALKING DOG AND FELL IN
292 PRESS 12 11 ENG GT MANCHESTER HOLLINGWORTH RIVER RIVER ETHEROW ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 13 PLAYING AND FELL INTO UNDERGROUND WATER TANK
113 PRESS 17 5 ENG GT MANCHESTER STOCKPORT HOME PUDDLE ON LAND FELL IN M 36 E SLIPPED & LANDED IN PUDDLE. DRY DROWNING
262 REPORT 22 5 ENG GT MANCHESTER RIVER RIVER ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 31 M OP NO LJ. WALKED OUT OF MENTAL HOSPITAL
253 PRESS 13 10 ENG GT MANCHESTER LAKE POND ON LAND WALKING F 2 WENT FOR WALK WITH MOTHER’S FRIEND TO FEED DUCKS
17 PRESS 20 2 ENG GT MANCHESTER LAKE ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 55 FOUND IN LAKE
305 PRESS 28 11 ENG HAMPSHIRE HAYLING ISLAND HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y M 40 IN MENCAP HOME. LEFT ALONE IN BATH FOR 2 MINS.
348 PRESS 6 12 ENG HAMPSHIRE PENNINGTON HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN M 77 WORKING ON GARDEN POND AND FELL IN
56 PRESS 7 4 ENG HAMPSHIRE PORTSMOUTH SEA HARBOUR IN WATER SUB AQUA M 27 FAILED TO SURFACE AFTER ROUTINE INSPECTION DIVE
182 PRESS 20 8 ENG HAMPSHIRE PORTSMOUTH SEA HARBOUR ON WATER CANOEING M 45 OP BOAT CAPSIZED/NO LJ
6 BOTH 20 1 ENG HAMPSHIRE SOUTHAMPTON RIVER RIVER ITCHEN ON WATER FISHING Y M 18 Y Y AC SEE 5. LAST SEEN STUCK IN MUD. BOAT FOUND CAPSIZED
5 REPORT 20 1 ENG HAMPSHIRE SOUTHAMPTON SEA INSHORE ON WATER FISHING Y N M 22 Y MI SEE 6. LAST SEEN STUCK IN MUD. BOAT FOUND CAPSIZED
43 REPORT 9 4 ENG HAMPSHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING F 10 AC
284 REPORT 22 7 ENG HAMPSHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N F 68 P AC DIABETIC
283 REPORT 3 6 ENG HAMPSHIRE RIVER RIVER ITCHEN IN WATER UNKNOWN N F 67 Y OP
296 REPORT 15 9 ENG HAMPSHIRE RIVER RIVER ITCHEN ON LAND JUMP IN N M 27 Y DR OP
78 BOTH 24 5 ENG HAMPSHIRE RIVER RIVER TEST FLOODING ON LAND UNKNOWN N N M 81 OP VERY DEPRESSED. THOUGHT HIS HOME WOULD FLOOD
63 REPORT 13 2 ENG HAMPSHIRE SEA INSHORE ON WATER BOAT (C) N F 46 M OP
77 REPORT 24 5 ENG HEREFORD RIVER RIVER LUGG FAST CURRENT IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 37 M
104 PRESS 28 5 ENG HEREFORD RIVER RIVER WYE IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 30 Y
Back Contents Next Page 12 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
163 REPORT 7 8 ENG HEREFORDSHIRE HOME BATH HOT IN WATER BATHING N F 64
420 PRESS 14 11 ENG HEREFORDSHIRE OTHER DRAIN ON LAND WORKING M 54 AC UNBLOCKING MANHOLE. SLIPPED DOWN INTO DRAIN
383 REPORT 19 12 ENG HEREFORDSHIRE RIVER RIVER SEVERN FAST CURRENTS IN WATER UNKNOWN Y N F 64
128 REPORT 29 6 ENG HEREFORDSHIRE RIVER RIVER WYE HOT IN WATER SWIMMING Y N M 19 Y
129 REPORT 29 6 ENG HEREFORDSHIRE RIVER RIVER WYE ON WATER BOAT Y Y M 30 Y DR Y
344 REPORT 30 10 ENG ISLE OF MAN HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N N F 55 Y VERY DRUNK
75 BOTH 31 3 ENG ISLE OF MAN HOME POND ON LAND PLAYING Y Y M 1 AC FOLLOWED CAT AND FELL INTO DISUSED GARDEN POND
103 BOTH 4 6 ENG ISLE OF MAN SEA INSHORE ON LAND FAST FERRY Y N M 30 Y FELL OVERBOARD FROM HOVERCRAFT
409 PRESS 15 2 ENG ISLE OF WIGHT ST HELENS SEA INSHORE ATTRILLS POINT IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M AA OP SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
142 PRESS 14 7 ENG ISLE OF WIGHT SEA OFFSHORE ON WATER BOAT M AA FELL OVERBOARD FROM PASSENGER FERRY
139 PRESS 2 7 ENG KENT CHATHAM RIVER RIVER MEDWAY IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 31 Y AC SWAM OUT TO FLOATING BUOY AS A PRANK
406 PRESS 21 5 ENG KENT CUXTON RIVER RIVER MEDWAY VALLEY PARK IN WATER FOUND M AA
425 PRESS 11 8 ENG KENT DOVER SEA HARBOUR IN WATER FOUND AA FOUND IN DOVER HARBOUR
421 PRESS 4 8 ENG KENT DOVER SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING M 42 G OP SWIMMING IN SEA
193 PRESS 21 8 ENG KENT DOVER SEA OFFSHORE ON WATER BOAT (F) M AA ASYLUM SEEKER JUMPED FROM CROSS CHANNEL FERRY
422 PRESS 30 12 ENG KENT MARGATE SEA INSHORE ON LAND FELL IN F 85 OP FELL IN FEEDING PIGEONS
99 PRESS 1 5 ENG KENT SEASALTER SEA INSHORE ON LAND FOUND M 29 Y OP MAY HAVE FALLEN IN. SUFFERED DEPRESSION
82 REPORT 4 6 ENG KENT RIVER RIVER MEDWAY ON LAND UNKNOWN Y Y F 31 Y M OP
317 REPORT 22 9 ENG LANCASHIRE LAKE LAKE IN WATER UNKNOWN N N M 51 M Y OP
109 PRESS 23 5 ENG LANCASHIRE BLACKBURN HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 47 AC FOUND IN BATH. HAD DRINK PROBLEM
304 PRESS 15 11 ENG LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL POOL POOL (PU) POOL AT WOODLANDS SCHOOL IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y F 4 HAVING SWIMMING LESSON AT SCHOOL
206 BOTH 3 9 ENG LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL SEA INSHORE NORTH PIER ROUGH ON LAND JUMP IN Y Y F 37 OP JUMPED IN. HAD BEEN TREATED FOR DEPRESSION PRIOR TO BIRTH OF CHILD
26 PRESS 17 2 ENG LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA Y Y M 29 SURFACED UNCONSCIOUS. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
141 PRESS 24 7 ENG LANCASHIRE BLACKPOOL SEA INSHORE ROUGH IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 26 Y ENTERED WATER AND GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
244 PRESS 5 10 ENG LANCASHIRE BOLTON OTHER EXCAVATION IN ROAD ON LAND FELL IN M 44 Y AC FELL INTO HOLE ON WAY HOME. VERY DRUNK
140 PRESS 11 7 ENG LANCASHIRE CAPERNWRAY LAKE QUARRY ON LAND JUMP IN Y M 18 DID NOT SURFACE AFTER JUMPING OFF 100FT CLIFF
212 BOTH 26 9 ENG LANCASHIRE CAPERNWRAY LAKE LAKE QUARRY ON LAND JUMP IN Y N M AA Y DR Y MI JUMPED FROM CLIFF. DRINKING WITH FRIENDS
398 BWREPORT 4 7 ENG LANCASHIRE CHORLEY CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL IN WATER UNKNOWN M 45
159 BOTH 31 7 ENG LANCASHIRE EDGWORTH LAKE RESERVOIR IN WATER SWIMMING N N M 33 Y Y AC ATTEMPTING TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE. GOT INTO DIFFICULTY
328 BWREPORT 29 5 ENG LANCASHIRE GATHURST CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL ON LAND IN VEHICLE M 61 DUMPER TRUCK OVERTURNED
85 PRESS 3 5 ENG LANCASHIRE LYTHAM ST. ANNES HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN Y Y F 1 AC WANDERED INTO GARDEN WHILST BACK DOOR OPEN
397 BWREPORT 4 10 ENG LANCASHIRE PRESTON RIVER RIVER RIBBLE ON LAND WORKING M 62 HAD HEART ATTACK
340 BWREPORT 8 5 ENG LANCASHIRE ROCHDALE CANAL CANAL ROCHDALE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 21
396 BWREPORT 5 ENG LANCASHIRE CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL IN WATER FOUND UNKNOWN M 78
217 REPORT 26 9 ENG LANCASHIRE HOME CESSPIT ON LAND JUMP IN M 33 N OP
289 REPORT 12 11 ENG LANCASHIRE RIVER RIVER BRUN ON LAND JUMP IN N N M 54 N
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 13 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
254 PRESS 5 10 ENG LEICESTERSHIRE QUORN HOME SWILL TUB ON LAND PLAYING Y Y M 2 AC CLIMBED ONTO BOX NEXT TO TUB TRYING TO REACH APPLES
175 PRESS 8 8 ENG LEICESTERSHIRE STONEY STANTON LAKE QUARRY STONEY COVE IN WATER SUB AQUA M AA GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES DIVING
44 REPORT 9 4 ENG LEICESTERSHIRE RIVER MARINA SAWLEY ON WATER BOAT (H) Y Y F 37 FELL FROM PONTOON NEXT TO BOAT CHECKING MOORINGS
106 REPORT 29 6 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE RIVER RIVER N N M AA Y HAD BEEN DRINKING HEAVILY
89 PRESS 14 5 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE DRAGONBY LAKE POND ON LAND PLAYING M 13 PLAYING NEAR FILLED IRON ORE PIT. DISAPPEARED UNDER WATER
153 BOTH 2 8 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE INGOLDMELLS POINT SEA INSHORE IN WATER RESCUE Y Y M 40 AC TRYING TO RESCUE 2 BOYS. SWEPT AWAY BY CURRENTS
42 REPORT 9 4 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE LINCOLN CANAL CANAL FOSSDYKE ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 77 OP FOUND IN WATER
165 REPORT 7 8 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE NORTH HYKEHAM POOL POOL (PU) NORTH KESTEVEN SPORTS CENTRE IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 36 Y AC
33 PRESS 5 3 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE NORTH KESTEVEN POOL POOL (PU) NORTH KESTEVEN SPORTS CENTRE IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 35 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING
222 BOTH 12 9 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE SKEGNESS LAKE LAKE ON LAND FLEEING Y M 13 DR LEAPT FROM CAR, RAN OFF. LATER FOUND IN LAKE
361 PRESS 1 9 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE SUTTON BRIDGE RIVER RIVER IN WATER UNKNOWN F 79 AC DEPRESSED POSSIBLY DOWN BANK
201 REPORT 27 5 ENG LINCOLNSHIRE RIVER RIVER WITHAM IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 44 AC
59 PRESS 28 3 ENG MERSEYSIDE BIRKENHEAD RIVER STREAM IN WATER FOUND M 35 OP WENT MISSING FROM HOSPITAL
135 PRESS 10 5 ENG MERSEYSIDE MELLING CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL IN WATER FOUND M 40’S FOUND IN WATER
399 BWREPORT 4 5 ENG MERSEYSIDE MELLING CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL ON LAND FELL IN N M 54 AC
93 REPORT 24 5 ENG MERSEYSIDE CANAL CANAL ST HELENS ON LAND WALKING Y Y M 42 OP
196 PRESS 28 8 ENG NORFOLK HOLKHAM SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 58 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES WHILST SWIMMING
345 BOTH 8 12 ENG NORFOLK NORWICH RIVER RIVER YARE IN WATER FOUND N N M 59 M Y AC ON MEDICATION AND HAD BEEN DRINKING
37 REPORT 9 4 ENG NORFOLK RIVER DIKE ON LAND INVEHICLE Y Y M AA AC WORKING ON FARM
249 REPORT 16 10 ENG NORFOLK RIVER DOCK OUSE ON LAND UNKNOWN N N M AA Y M Y MI
161 REPORT 7 8 ENG NORFOLK RIVER RIVER THURNE ON WATER BOT© Y N M 43 Y Y MI
241 REPORT 8 10 ENG NORFOLK SEA INSHORE HOT IN WATER PLAYING Y Y M 59 Y MI NO LJ.
308 PRESS 20 11 ENG NORTH SOMERSET BATH LAKE QUARRY IN WATER SUB AQUA M 36 IN WATER WITH FRIENDS. FAILED TO SURFACE
220 PRESS 12 9 ENG NORTH SOMERSET PORTISHEAD RIVER RIVER AVON IN WATER SWIMMING M 48 AC GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING. HAD LEARNING PROBLEMS
203 PRESS 25 7 ENG NORTH SOMERSET STAPLETON HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 49 AC
290 REPORT 13 12 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y M 27 E & M AC MAY HAVE HAD DIABETIC HYPO. EPILEPTIC
280 PRESS 17 10 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER RIVER OUSE ON LAND FELL IN M 50-70
1 PRESS 9 1 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE BOLTON ABBEY RIVER RIVER WHARFE IN WATER FOUND F 51 FOUND IN RIVER
242 PRESS 13 9 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE BRIDLINGTON SEA INSHORE ON LAND INVEHICLE Y M 52 Y OP DROVE CAR OVER CLIFF AFTER ROW
333 BWREPORT 7 4 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE BRIGHOUSE CANAL CANAL CALDER/HEBBLE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 85
228 PRESS 22 9 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE DENHOLME HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 26 E HAD FIT IN BATH
349 PRESS 12 12 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE EARSWICK RIVER RIVER FOSS ON LAND FELL IN M 50’S Y FELL IN AFTER DRINKING HEAVILY
394 BWREPORT 15 10 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIPON CANAL CANAL RIPON ON LAND WALKING M 55 E POSSIBLY HAD FIT AND FELL IN
251 REPORT 18 6 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE SCARBOROUGH POOL POOL (PR) ATLANTIS WATER PARK IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 16 Y
336 BWREPORT 21 5 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE SELBY CANAL CANAL SELBY IN WATER UNKNOWN M 31 M Y
9 PRESS 6 2 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE TEESIDE RIVER RIVER TEES FREAK WAVE ON LAND FELL IN M 20 MI WATCHING WAVES ALONG PIER. HIT AND SWEPT AWAY BY CURRENT
Back Contents Next Page 14 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
15 BOTH 20 1 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE THORNABY ON TEES RIVER RIVER TEES IN WATER FOUND Y N M 81 AC WALKING BY RIVER AND FELL IN
321 PRESS 3 12 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE WEST TANFORD RIVER WEIR FLOOD ON WATER CANOEING Y Y M 46 Y HELPING BOY IN DIFFICULTIES
250 REPORT 16 10 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER BECK BEEDALE BECK HOT ON LAND UNKNOWN N F 74 OP NO LJ. BODY IN WATER FOR SEVERAL DAYS
183 REPORT 20 8 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER RIVER NIDD IN WATER UNKNOWN N F 70 Y M OP PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIC
338 BWREPORT 25 9 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER RIVER OUSE ON LAND WALKING M 48 POSSIBLY HAD FIT WHILST WALKING
23 PRESS 12 2 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER STREAM CAVE FLOODS UNDERGROUND POTHOLING M 29 SEE 24. TRAPPED IN UNDERGROUND FLOODS
24 PRESS 12 2 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE RIVER STREAM CAVE FLOODS UNDERGROUND POTHOLING M 58 SEE 23. TRAPPED IN UNDERGROUND FLOODS
314 REPORT 8 7 ENG NORTH YORKSHIRE SEA INSHORE INWATER UNKNOWN N M 35 OP LEFT HOME AFTER ARGUMENT
52 PRESS 6 4 ENG NORTHAMPTONSHIRE KINGSTHORPE RIVER RIVER NENE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 46
55 PRESS 10 4 ENG NORTHAMPTONSHIRE OUNDLE RIVER RIVER NENE IN WATER FOUND F 46 FOUND IN WATER
387 REPORT 31 7 ENG NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RIVER RIVER NENE IN WATER FOUND N M 28 DR Y AC LAST SEEN ON RIVER BANK DRINKING AND TAKING DRUGS
278 REPORT 28 5 ENG NORTHAMPTONSHIRE RIVER RIVER ON LAND FELL IN N M 44 Y M AC
177 BOTH 11 8 ENG NORTHUMBERLAND GATESHEAD RIVER RIVER TYNE ON WATER BOAT (D) Y N M 29 Y Y FELL FROM DINGHY AFTER IT COLLIDED WITH BOAT
168 PRESS 25 6 ENG NORTHUMBERLAND NEWBIGGIN SEA INSHORE ON WATER BOAT (FISHING) Y Y M AA FELL OVERBOARD FROM FISHING BOAT
279 PRESS 24 10 ENG NORTHUMBERLAND RIVER RIVER TWEED IN WATER FOUND F 60’S REPORTED MISSING FROM HOME
418 REPORT 2 10 ENG NORTHUMBERLAND RIVER RIVER TYNE IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 70 Y Y OP
364 PRESS 25 12 ENG NORTHUMBERLAND SEA PIER NORTH PIER ON LAND FISHING Y M 40’S SWEPT FROM PIER WHILST FISHING
29 BOTH 19 2 ENG NORWICH BRAMMERTON RIVER RIVER YARE IN WATER FOUND M 16 FOUND IN WATER
13 PRESS 5 2 ENG NORWICH RIVER RIVER WENSUM ON WATER BOAT (H) M 45 Y AC FELL OFF BOAT AFTER DRINKING
346 PRESS 7 12 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GRINGELEY ON THE HILL RIVER DYKE ON LAND IN VEHICLE F 15 AC CAR SKIDDED ON BEND AND SLID DOWN BANK
167 BOTH 4 8 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NEWARK RIVER RIVER WEIR IN WATER FOUND M 53 OP MAY HAVE FALLEN IN
207 PRESS 31 8 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RETFORD RIVER RIVER DYKE ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y F 15 CAR PLUNGED DOWN 20' EMBANKMENT INTO DYKE
248 REPORT 26 6 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE THRUMPTON RIVER RIVER TRENT HOT ON LAND DRINKING N M 59 Y OP
341 BWREPORT 14 4 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WORKSOP CANAL CANAL CHESTER M63 AC
64 REPORT 28 3 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CANAL CANAL WORKSOP CHESTERFIELD ON LAND WALKING N N M 41 DR Y
125 REPORT 29 6 ENG NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CANAL CANAL ON LAND WALKING Y N M 68 Y AC HEART ATTACK
357 PRESS 19 8 ENG OXFORD BERINSFIELD HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN Y F 0 AC THROUGH OPEN GATE. FELL IN FISH POND AT GRANDMOTHER’S
306 PRESS 28 2 ENG OXFORD FOLLY BRIDGE RIVER RIVER THAMES ON LAND FELL IN M 18 Y AC HAD BEEN TO PARTY. GOT VERY DRUNK AND FELL IN
337 BWREPORT 29 1 ENG OXFORD CANAL CANAL OXFORD IN WATER UNKNOWN M 27
118 PRESS 26 5 ENG SHROPSHIRE BRIDGENORTH RIVER RIVER SEVERN ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y Y M 71 AC IN CAR WITH WIFE WHEN IT ROLLED BACK INTO RIVER
120 PRESS 30 5 ENG SHROPSHIRE SHREWSBURY LAKE POOL BETTON POOL IN WATER UNKNOWN M 40 FOUND IN WATER
342 BWREPORT 18 12 ENG SHROPSHIRE STOURPORT ON SEVERN RIVER RIVER SEVERN F 56 OP DEPRESSED
311 PRESS 18 11 ENG SHROPSHIRE RIVER SEVERN ON LAND IN CAR Y Y M 12 SEE 312. CAR CAREERED OFF ROAD AND INTO RIVER
312 PRESS 18 11 ENG SHROPSHIRE RIVER SEVERN ON LAND IN CAR Y M 13 SEE 311. CAR CAREERED OFF ROAD AND INTO RIVER
92 PRESS 13 5 ENG SOMERSET BRIDGEWATER RIVER RIVER BRUE IN WATER SWIMMING M 15 COOLING OFF. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
389 REPORT 20 12 ENG SOMERSET RIVER RIVER AVILL IN WATER FOUND N M 87 M
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 15 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
50 BOTH 5 4 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE DONCASTER HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 2 N AC TRIED TO CATCH GOLDFISH AND FELL IN
293 PRESS 10 11 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE ROTHERHAM HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y F 0 IN BATH WITH 2 YEAR OLD SISTER
235 BOTH 28 9 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE ROTHERHAM LAKE LAKE ROTHER VALLEY COUNTRY PARK IN WATER SWIMMING M 44 Y Y AC DIVED INTO LAKE TO COOL OFF. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
100 PRESS 21 5 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE ROTHERHAM RIVER RIVER DON IN WATER FLEEING M 22 SWAM ACROSS RIVER TRYING TO ESCAPE SECURITY GUARDS
176 BOTH 9 8 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE ROTHERHAM RIVER RIVER DON FAST FLOWING IN WATER FLEEING N M 22 DR AC SHOPLIFTING. FLEEING FROM STAFF
134 PRESS 4 7 ENG SOUTH YORKSHIRE THORNE CANAL CANAL STAINFORTH AND KEADBY IN WATER UNKNOWN M 69 FOUND IN WATER
174 BOTH 2 8 ENG STAFFORDSHIRE STAPENHILL RIVER RIVER TRENT ON LAND JUMP IN Y N M 29 Y Y AC WENT FOR EVENING SWIM. LIFEBELTS AND LINES MISSING
343 BWREPORT 12 2 ENG STAFFORDSHIRE TRENTHAM CANAL CANAL TRENT AND MERSEY ON LAND WALKING Y Y M 42 Y E OP POSSIBLY HAD FIT. ALSO IN UNSTABLE STATE OF MIND
216 REPORT 26 9 ENG STAFFORDSHIRE RIVER RIVER SOW ON LAND UNKNOWN Y Y M 52 M AC
359 PRESS 22 12 ENG SUFFOLK BRETTENHAM RIVER STREAM RIVER BRETT ON LAND FELL IN Y M 39 WORKING ON ISOLATED COTTAGE. FELL FROM WALL
116 BOTH 4 6 ENG SUFFOLK ORFORD SEA OFFSHORE ON WATER CANOEING M 29 HE WAS CANOEING FROM VILLAGE TO COAST
251 BOTH 21 11 ENG SUFFOLK OULTON BROAD RIVER RIVER WAVENEY ON WATER BOAT (M) Y Y M 51 AC MARKING OUT COURSE FROM BOAT AND FELL OVERBOARD. NO LJ
83 BOTH 4 6 ENG SUFFOLK SUDBURY LAKE MILL POND BRUNDON MILL HOT IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 15 Y WENT UNDER AND DID NOT RESURFACE
147 PRESS 27 7 ENG SURREY MITCHAM POOL POOL (PU) IN WATER FOLLOWED Y Y M 7 N WANDERED INTO WRONG POOL. ABOUT TO HAVE 1ST SWIM LESSON OTHERS INTO POOL
126 REPORT 29 6 ENG SURREY SUTTON HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING F 42 P AC
379 REPORT 18 8 ENG SURREY RIVER RIVER THAMES FAST CURRENT IN WATER SWIMMING N M 80 Y MAY HAVE GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING
240 REPORT 8 10 ENG SUSSEX HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N N M 71 DR Y OP
402 REPORT 16 9 ENG SUSSEX HOME POND ON LAND FELL IN N F 66 Y AC FELL IN GARDEN POND
319 REPORT 21 3 ENG SUSSEX SEA BEACH IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 34 N M OP
318 REPORT 2 10 ENG SUSSEX SEA DOCK IN WATER UNKNOWN N N M 64 Y Y AC
392 REPORT 12 10 ENG SUSSEX SEA HARBOUR ON LAND IN VEHICLE N N M 38 N M OP
136 BOTH 6 7 ENG TEESSIDE THORNABY HOME POND ON LAND PLAYING M 1 AC PLAYING IN GARDEN. PARENT WORKING NEARBY
360 PRESS 10 7 ENG TYNE & WEAR GATESHEAD HOME (CARE) BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y F 25 E AC IN RESPITE CARE IN CARE HOME
230 PRESS 13 9 ENG WARWICKSHIRE COVENTRY RIVER BROOK ON LAND FELL IN M AA Y HAD BEEN DRINKING. BELIEVED TO HAVE FALLEN IN
330 BWREPORT 27 5 ENG WARWICKSHIRE RUGBY CANAL CANAL OXFORD IN WATER UNKNOWN M 83 OP DEPRESSED. WALKED OUT OF HOSPITAL. FOUND IN LAKE
179 REPORT 20 8 ENG WARWICKSHIRE WELFORD ON AVON RIVER RIVER AVON FLOOD ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 73 N OP
164 REPORT 7 8 ENG WARWICKSHIRE CANAL CANAL COVENTRY ON LAND WALKING N F 77 OP
299 REPORT 2 7 ENG WARWICKSHIRE CANAL CANAL GRAND UNION ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 89 N AC
200 REPORT 18 5 ENG WARWICKSHIRE RIVER RIVER THAME ON LAND WORKING N M 80 AC
119 PRESS 6 6 ENG WEST MIDLANDS ASTON CANAL CANAL CUCKOO BRIDGE ON LAND FELL IN M 49 Y OP VERY DRUNK
407 PRESS 4 10 ENG WEST MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM HOME BATH YARDLEY GREEN HOSPITAL IN WATER FOUND F 70 OP MAY HAVE HAD DIZZY SPELL AND FALLEN IN
327 BWREPORT 25 5 ENG WEST MIDLANDS KINGS HEATH CANAL CANAL BIRMINGHAM AND COVENTRY IN WATER UNKNOWN F 53 Y OP
68 BOTH 24 4 ENG WEST MIDLANDS LANGLEY CANAL CANAL IN WATER UNKNOWN M 62 OP FOUND IN WATER
326 BWREPORT 25 5 ENG WEST MIDLANDS PERRY BARR CANAL CANAL BIRMINGHAM AND COVENTRY IN WATER UNKNOWN M 63 Y AC
334 BWREPORT 18 12 ENG WEST MIDLANDS PERRY BARR CANAL CANAL BIRMINGHAM AND COVENTRY IN WATER UNKNOWN F 73 OP
Back Contents Next Page 16 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
97 PRESS 14 5 ENG WEST MIDLANDS SANDWELL VALLEY LAKE POOL HOT IN WATER DIVE IN Y Y M 61 DIVED IN COOLING OFF. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
404 PRESS 10 ENG WEST MIDLANDS SMETHWICK HOME BATH WARDEN ASSISTED ACCOMMODATION IN WATER BATHING M 60 HAD STROKE WASHING CLOTHES IN BATH. DIED FROM PNEUMONIA
149 PRESS 3 8 ENG WEST MIDLANDS SUTTON COLDFIELD LAKE POOL POWELLS POOL IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 15 MI HAD EATEN BEFORE SWIMMING. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
110 PRESS 24 5 ENG WEST MIDLANDS WATER ORTON RIVER RIVER TAME IN WATER FOUND M 80 WENT MISSING FROM HOME
417 REPORT 12 8 ENG WEST MIDLANDS HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 0 AT HOME IN BATH
192 BOTH 16 8 ENG WEST SUSSEX CHICHESTER SEA HARBOUR STRONG CURRENTS ON LAND WALKING Y Y M 7 Y AC CAUGHT BY CURRENT WADING THROUGH RISING WATER ACROSS MUD FLATS
31 PRESS 5 3 ENG WEST SUSSEX HENFIELD RIVER RIVER DITCH ON LAND WALKING M 28 WALKING ON FARMLAND WITH FRIENDS
137 BOTH 22 6 ENG WEST SUSSEX LITTLEHAMPTON LAKE POOL LITTLEHAMPTON SPORTS DOME ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 2 AC WANDERED AWAY FROM GROUP. SLIPPED DOWN BANK INTO POOL
202 REPORT 21 6 ENG WEST SUSSEX MIDHURST RIVER RIVER ROTHER ON LAND UNKNOWN Y N M 85 N OP
410 PRESS 17 12 ENG WEST SUSSEX RUSTINGTON HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M AA Y AC FOUND IN BATH AFTER DRINKING HEAVILY
298 REPORT 3 11 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE BRADFORD LAKE HAROLD PARK LAKE ON LAND JUMP IN N N M 52 Y Y
53 BOTH 10 4 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE CASTLEFORD RIVER RIVER AIRE ON LAND PLAYING Y Y M 8 N AC PLAYING ON ROPE SWING FASTENED TO BRIDGE WHEN HE SLIPPED
339 BWREPORT 27 7 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE HUDDERSFIELD CANAL CANAL HUDDERSFIELD IN WATER UNKNOWN Y M 41 RESCUED FROM CANAL. DIED 4 DAYS LATER
329 BWREPORT 15 4 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE MIRFIELD CANAL CANAL CALDER/HEBBLE IN WATER UNKNOWN M 41 Y
189 PRESS 11 8 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE SHIPLEY CANAL CANAL LEEDS/LIVERPOOL ON LAND FELL IN M 32 Y AC
335 BWREPORT 5 4 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE WEST YORKSHIRE CANAL CANAL HUDDERSFIELD IN WATER UNKNOWN M 52
214 REPORT 26 9 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE LAKE LAKE ROUNDHAY ON LAND UNKNOWN Y N M 56 M OP SUFFERED FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA AND MANIC DEPRESSION
316 REPORT 30 11 ENG WEST YORKSHIRE RIVER RIVER AIRE ON LAND WALKING N N M 56 N Y
101 PRESS 19 4 ENG WILTSHIRE COATEBRIDGE CANAL CANAL KENNET AND AVON IN WATER FOUND F 65 OP WENT MISSING FROM HOME
10 BOTH 5 2 ENG WILTSHIRE LANDFORD RIVER RIVER BLACKWATER STORM ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 36 AC ATTEMPTING TO CROSS SWOLLEN STREAM. CAR SWEPT AWAY. HAD HEART ATTACK
94 PRESS 10 5 ENG WILTSHIRE PENHILL HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 0 AC LEFT UNSUPERVISED WHILST MOTHER ON PHONE
363 PRESS 28 12 ENG WILTSHIRE AVONCLIFF CANAL CANAL KENNET AND AVON ON LAND FELL IN M 60’S Y FELL IN ON WAY BACK TO BOAT HE LIVED IN
71 PRESS 19 4 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE BENTLEY RIVER RIVER STREAM ON LAND JUMP IN Y Y M AA JUMPED INTO FAST FLOWING RIVER
411 PRESS 20 10 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE CALLOW END RIVER RIVER SEVERN IN WATER FOUND F 53 Y OP FOUND FLOATING IN RIVER AFTER DRINKING HEAVILY
133 PRESS 4 7 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE CASTLEMORTON LAKE QUARRY GULLET QUARRY ON LAND FELL IN M 17 CLEANING SHOES.SUDDENLY SANK INTO WATER
197 PRESS 31 8 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE UPTON ON SEVERN RIVER MARINA ON WATER BOAT (C) Y M 4 AC FELL FROM FAMILY BOAT WHILST MOORED OVERNIGHT
384 REPORT 5 9 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL CANAL BIRMINGHAM AND WORCESTER IN WATER UNKNOWN N N M 69 Y OP
46 PRESS 1 3 ENG WORCESTERSHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 42 OP FOUND IN BATH
372 REPORT 18 8 NIR BALLYMENA RIVER RIVER MAIN IN WATER UNKNOWN N M 58 Y
370 REPORT 18 8 NIR CO. DOWN SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING Y M 26 Y Y
369 REPORT 18 8 NIR CO. FERMANAGH RIVER RIVER ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 51 N M SCHIZOPHRENIC. POSSIBLY FELL IN
79 REPORT 24 5 NIR CO. TYRONE COOKSTOWN RIVER RIVER BROOK ON LAND UNKNOWN M 52
371 REPORT 14 3 NIR CO. TYRONE OMAGH RIVER IN WATER WORKING N M 46 N Y
210 REPORT 26 9 NIR COUNTY ANTRIM LISBURN RIVER RIVER LAGAN ON LAND WALKING N N M 59 Y REPORTED MISSING FROM HOME
199 PRESS 3 9 NIR COUNTY DONEGAL SEA HARBOUR ON WATER FELL IN M 50 CROSSING BETWEEN TWO BOATS MOORED IN HARBOUR
38 REPORT 8 3 NIR COUNTY DOWN BELFAST LAKE POOL ON LAND FELL IN N N M 55 Y WENT MISSING. VERY DRUNK. FELL IN GARDEN POND
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 17 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
8 BOTH 22 1 NIR NEWRY CANAL CANAL NEWRY VICTORIA DOCK ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 17 N Y SLIPPED ON ICE ON BANK OF DOCK
12 PRESS 20 1 NIR NEWRY CANAL CANAL NEWRY ON LAND FELL IN M 17 POSSIBLY WALKING ON GATES. TRIPPED AND FELL IN
226 BOTH 20 9 SCO ABERDEENSHIRE INVERURIE RIVER RIVER DON ON LAND WALKING Y N M 66 Y AC FAILED TO RETURN HOME FROM WALK
186 REPORT 20 8 SCO ARGYLL SEA INSHORE ON LAND FOUND N N M 65 Y Y AC COLLAPSED ON BANK. TIDE CAME IN. POSS HEART ATTACK OR FIT
154 PRESS 2 8 SCO ARGYLL RIVER RIVER ORCHY IN WATER RESCUE F 33 TRYING TO RESCUE SON. SWEPT AWAY BY CURRENTS
115 BOTH 1 6 SCO ARGYLL & BUTE DUNOON SEA OFFSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 30 DIVING TO CENTURY OLD CARGO VESSEL
178 BOTH 1 8 SCO ARGYLL & BUTE EASDONE SEA INSHORE FIRTH OF LORNE ON LAND PLAYING Y Y M 11 Y AC PLAYING ON ROCK. SWEPT OUT TO SEA
130 REPORT 29 6 SCO ARGYLL & BUTE SEA INSHORE IN WATER UNKNOWN N N M 30 M&P FOUND FACE DOWN ON BEACH AT HIGH WATER MARK
194 PRESS 18 8 SCO AYRSHIRE DALMELLINGTON LAKE LOCH DOON ON WATER CANOEING Y M 20 CANOE CAPSIZED
84 BOTH 4 6 SCO AYRSHIRE STEVENSTON LAKE QUARRY DUBBS QUARRY HOT ON LAND JUMP IN Y N M 17 Y AC GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES AFTER JUMPING INTO WATER COOLING OFF
257 PRESS 15 10 SCO AYRSHIRE STEWARTON RIVER RIVER ANNICK CORSEHILL BURN IN WATER UNKNOWN Y M AA FOUND IN WATER
385 REPORT 25 12 SCO AYRSHIRE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N F 61 OP FOUND IN BATH
62 REPORT 15 4 SCO AYRSHIRE RIVER MARINA ON WATER BOAT (Y) Y Y M AA Y AC HAD BEEN DRINKING
170 PRESS 6 8 SCO BERWICKSHIRE ST. ABBS SEA PIER IN WATER SUB AQUA M 37 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES DIVING
150 PRESS 31 7 SCO BORDERS NEWCASTLETON POOL POOL (PU) WHITHAUGH PARK IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y F 8 SWIMMING IN POOL. GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES
72 PRESS 23 4 SCO BORDERS ST. ABBS SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 48 DIVER SURFACED AND ENGULFED BY BIG WAVE
350 BOTH 31 12 SCO CITY OF EDINBURGH EDINBURGH LAKE RESERVOIR HARLOW RESERVOIR ON ICE FELL IN M 21 AC SKIMMING STONES ON ICE AND FELL IN
80 REPORT 24 5 SCO CITY OF GLASGOW RIVER RIVER CLYDE ON LAND JUMP IN Y Y M 28 Y M
98 PRESS 24 5 SCO CITY OF GLASGOW SEA INSHORE ON LAND WALKING M 18 FELL IN WHILST WALKING ALONG CLIFFS
208 REPORT 26 9 SCO DUMBARTONSHIRE LAKE LOCH LOMOND ON WATER BOAT (D) Y M 80 Y AC FELL OVERBOARD AND DINGHY CAPSIZED
185 REPORT 20 8 SCO DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA Y N M 40 DEEP SEA DIVING. WAS WELL CLOTHED AND TRAINED
271 REPORT 9 8 SCO DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY SEA INSHORE ON WATER BOAT (U) N N M 44
16 REPORT 23 1 SCO EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE CANAL CANAL FORTH AND CLYDE ICY ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 39 Y FELL INTO FROZEN CANAL
272 REPORT 20 9 SCO FALKIRK HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N M AA ELDERLY. SLIPPED IN BATH BANGED HEAD. BECAME UNCONSCIOUS
291 REPORT 12 11 SCO FIFE LOWER LARGO RIVER ESTUARY FIRTH OF FORTH ON WATER BOAT (D) Y Y M 75 AC HEART ATTACK
195 PRESS 22 8 SCO FIFE LOWER LARGO SEA HARBOUR ON WATER FISHING M 75 PULLING LOBSTER ON BOARD. POSSIBLY HEART ATTACK
157 PRESS 2 8 SCO GLASGOW CANAL LOCK FORTH AND CLYDE ON LAND IN VEHICLE F 54 SUFFERED DEPRESSION
368 REPORT 24 11 SCO GLASGOW HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING Y Y F 39 AC
367 REPORT 15 9 SCO GLASGOW RIVER RIVER CLYDE BELINDERE STRAIGHT IN WATER UNKNOWN M 32
322 PRESS 3 12 SCO HIGHLAND FORT WILLIAM SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 43 ON RECREATIONAL NIGHT DIVE. FAILED TO SURFACE
35 REPORT 15 3 SCO HIGHLAND INVERNESS RIVER RIVER BEAULY IN WATER FOUND Y N M 38 Y AC WENT MISSING FROM HOME
39 REPORT 9 4 SCO HIGHLAND INVERNESS CANAL CANAL CALEDONIAN ON LAND UNKNOWN N F 69 Y M FOUND IN WATER
211 REPORT 26 9 SCO HIGHLAND INVERNESS RIVER RIVER MORISTON ON LAND WADING N N F 62 N Y AC POSSIBLY SEARCHING FOR LOST BRACELET
221 PRESS 20 9 SCO HIGHLAND KINCRAIG RIVER RIVER SPEY FAST FLOWING ON WATER CANOEING M 27 CAPSIZED AFTER BEING CAUGHT BY BRANCHES AND ROOTS
218 PRESS 10 9 SCO HIGHLAND KNOYDART LAKE LOCH NEVIS ON LAND FELL IN M AA GERMAN HOLIDAYMAKER FELL IN
86 PRESS 30 4 SCO HIGHLAND LOCH CARRON SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA Y Y M 40 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES AT SUB AQUA CLUB EVENT
Back Contents Next Page 18 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
54 PRESS 10 4 SCO HIGHLAND POLLOCH RIVER RIVER CLYDE ON LAND FELL IN M 28 JUMPED OVER RAILINGS ONTO HEDGE AND FELL IN
209 REPORT 26 9 SCO HIGHLAND ROSSSHIRE RIVER RIVER CONAN ON LAND WALKING N N M 66 N M
81 REPORT 24 5 SCO HIGHLAND ROSSSHIRE RIVER RIVER CONON IN WATER WILD FOWLING Y N M 74 Y AC
36 REPORT 3 1 SCO HIGHLAND ROSSSHIRE RIVER STREAM ON LAND FELL IN N N M 60 N Y AC MAY HAVE HAD HYPOTHERMIA
393 PRESS 12 SCO HIGHLAND SALEN SEA INSHORE BEACH ON LAND FOUND M 70 Y MAY HAVE SLIPPED AND INJURED ANKLE WHILST GETTING INTO BOAT
232 PRESS 16 6 SCO HIGHLAND WICK RIVER RIVER MORAY FIRTH ON LAND INVEHICLE M AA SEE 233, 234. CAR LEFT ROAD AND PLUNGED OVER 80' CLIFF
233 PRESS 16 6 SCO HIGHLAND WICK RIVER RIVER MORAY FIRTH ON LAND IN VEHICLE M AA SEE 232, 234. " "
234 PRESS 16 6 SCO HIGHLAND WICK RIVER RIVER MORAY FIRTH ON LAND IN VEHICLE M AA SEE 232, 233. " "
107 PRESS 22 5 SCO LOTHIAN DUNBAR SEA OFFSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 36 SEE 108. DIVING TO LOOK AT WRECK
108 PRESS 22 5 SCO LOTHIAN DUNBAR SEA OFFSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 56 SEE 107.
426 REPORT* 8 12 SCO MIDLOTHIAN RIVER RIVER FORTH IN WATER FOUND N M 24 DR Y OP
132 REPORT 29 6 SCO MORAY ROTHES RIVER RIVER SPEY IN WATER FISHING Y M 79 N AC HEART ATTACK
160 REPORT 7 8 SCO MORAY HOME POND ON LAND WALKING N M 45 Y E Y AC HAD HEART ATTACK
87 PRESS 2 5 SCO NORTH AYRSHIRE FIRTH OF CLYDE SEA INSHORE IN WATER FOUND M 70 MISSING FOR SEVERAL DAYS. MAY HAVE FALLEN FROM FERRY
156 PRESS 4 8 SCO NORTH LANARKSHIRE LAKE LOCH ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y Y M 62 FELL IN DUMPER TRUCK 100FT OFF CLIFF AT OPEN CAST MINE
20 BOTH 4 2 SCO PERTH & KINROSS LUNCARTY RIVER RIVER TAY FAST FLOWING ON WATER FISHING N M 45 AC CHEST HIGH WADERS POSSIBLY FILLED WITH WATER
320 REPORT 8 1 SCO POLMONT CANAL CANAL UNION IN WATER UNKNOWN F 64
67 PRESS 28 4 SCO RENFREWSHIRE KILBARCHAN RIVER RIVER CART IN WATER FOUND M 94 WENT MISSING FROM HOME
169 PRESS 11 6 SCO SHETLAND ISLE OF MOUSA SEA INSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 60’S GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES DIVING
28 BOTH 21 2 SCO SOUTH AYRSHIRE GIRVAN SEA OFFSHORE IN WATER SUB AQUA M 59 FOUND IN WATER
252 BOTH 11 10 SCO SOUTH LANARKSHIRE BIGGAR RIVER BURN ON LAND WALKING Y Y M 1 N AC WANDERED AWAY THROUGH OPEN GATE AND FELL IN BURN
7 BOTH 20 1 SCO STIRLINGSHIRE COWIE LAKE POND ICE ON ICE FELL IN Y Y M 5 AC RUNNING AFTER DUCKS AND SWANS ON ICE
131 REPORT 29 6 SCO STRATHCLYDE HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING M 63 Y AC
295 REPORT 28 11 SCO STRATHCLYDE LAKE LOCH LOCH LOMOND ON WATER JET SKI Y M 35 Y Y AC LOST CONTROL OF JETSKI AND THROWN INTO WATER
187 REPORT 20 8 SCO STRATHCLYDE RIVER DOCK CLYDE ON LAND WALKING N M 35 Y Y
41 REPORT 9 4 SCO STRATHCLYDE SEA INSHORE TROON BEACH ON LAND FOUND N M 59 FOUND ON SHORE
414 REPORT* 25 4 SCO WEST LOTHIAN LAKE LOCH LINLITHGOW LOCH ON LAND WALKING N M 31 Y WALKED HOME AFTER MISSING TRAIN STOP.VERY DRUNK
91 PRESS 8 5 SCO WESTERN ISLES ISLE OF BARRA SEA INSHORE ON WATER BOAT Y Y M 37 LOST FOOTING SCRAMBLING ACROSS BOATS IN DARKNESS
310 REPORT 4 11 SCO WESTERN ISLES SEA HARBOUR ON WATER UNKNOWN N M 43 N Y AC
238 REPORT 8 10 SCO EDINBURGH HOME BATH IN WATER BATHING N F 79 POSSIBLY HAD HEART ATTACK
122 PRESS 11 6 WAL BRIDGEND PORTHCAWL SEA DOCK ON LAND FELL IN M 19 Y GOT LOST AFTER PARTY AND STUMBLED OVER DOCK WALL
112 BOTH 25 5 WAL CARDIFF CARDIFF BAY SEA INSHORE ON WATER BOAT (D) Y Y M 48 Y ROWING TO LARGER BOAT WITH SON. NO LJ. SON SURVIVED
227 PRESS 20 9 WAL CARMARTHENSHIRE PONTARDDULAIS RIVER RIVER LOUGHER IN WATER FOUND F AA FOUND IN WATER
256 PRESS 15 10 WAL CONWY RHYL SEA INSHORE RHYL BEACH ON LAND FOUND M 19 Y BEING CHASED BY DRUNKEN YOUTHS AFTER PROBLEMS IN CLUB
151 BOTH 31 7 WAL GWENT EBBW VALE LAKE RESERVOIR HOT IN WATER SWIMMING Y Y M 16 Y AC SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS AND GOT INTO DIFFICULTY
243 BOTH 19 9 WAL GWENT MONMOUTHSHIRE LAKE RESERVOIR LLANDEGFEDD ON WATER BOAT (D) Y Y M 82 Y DINGHY CAPSIZED AS HE TRIED TO BOARD. TRAPPED UNDERNEATH
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 19 INCIDENT # SOURCE DAY MONTH COUNTRY COUNTY TOWN 1 WATER 2 WATER 3 WATER WEATHER 1 ACTIVE 2 ACTIVE RESCUE RESUSCITATED GENDER AGE SWIMMER DISABLED PRESSURE ALCOHOL INQUEST COMMENTS
353 PRESS 18 12 WAL GWENT NEWPORT RIVER RIVER USK ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 35 SEE 354,355, 356. 5 IN CAR WHEN IT CAREERED DOWN EMBANKMENT
354 PRESS 18 12 WAL GWENT NEWPORT RIVER RIVER USK ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 34 SEE 353, 355, 356. " " "
355 PRESS 18 12 WAL GWENT NEWPORT RIVER RIVER USK ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 22 SEE 353, 354, 356. " " "
356 PRESS 18 12 WAL GWENT NEWPORT RIVER RIVER USK ON LAND IN VEHICLE Y M 23 SEE 353, 354, 355. " " "
247 REPORT 29 9 WAL GWENT RIVER BROOK ON LAND WALKING N M 64 Y
49 PRESS 29 3 WAL GWYNEDD ANGLESEY SEA INSHORE TEADDUR BAY IN WATER SUB AQUA M 36 WAVE CAUSED HIM TO HIT HEAD ON ROCKS. UNCONSCIOUS
27 BOTH 22 2 WAL GWYNEDD BANGOR ON DEE RIVER RIVER DEE IN WATER FOUND F 84 WENT MISSING FROM HOME
351 PRESS 20 12 WAL GWYNEDD TALYSARN LAKE QUARRY DOROTHEA QUARRY IN WATER SUB AQUA Y M 32 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES RETURNING TO SURFACE
352 PRESS 19 12 WAL GWYNEDD TALYSARN LAKE QUARRY DOROTHEA QUARRY QUARRY IN WATER SUB AQUA Y M 54 GOT INTO DIFFICULTIES SWIMMING TO SURFACE
188 REPORT 20 8 WAL MID GLAMORGAN RHONDDA LAKE LAKE RHONDDA IN WATER UNKNOWN Y F 41 OP LEFT HOME AFTER DISPUTE
412 PRESS 17 10 WAL MONMOUTHSHIRE LLANMARTIN RIVER RIVER USK IN WATER FOUND M 58 M DEATH BY DROWNING. SUFFERED FROM MENTAL ILLNESS.
302 PRESS 1 11 WAL NEATH NEATH CANAL TENNANT ON LAND IN VEHICLE M 20 CAR PLUNGED INTO CANAL. FRIEND SURVIVED
155 PRESS 4 8 WAL NEATH PONTNEDDFECHAN LAKE POOL DINAS ROCK ON LAND JUMP IN Y Y M 17 JUMPING INTO POOL WITH FRIENDS. SWEPT AWAY BY SURGE OF WATER
138 PRESS 16 6 WAL NEATH RIVER RIVER NEATH IN WATER UNKNOWN M AA FOUND FLOATING IN RIVER
366 PRESS 22 10 WAL NEWPORT NASH RIVER REEN DRAINAGE DITCH ON LAND FELL IN M 47 DR Y MI SEEN SITTING ON BRIDGE AND FELL IN
73 PRESS 23 4 WAL PEMBROKESHIRE NEWPORT RIVER RIVER USK IN WATER FOUND M 66 WENT MISSING FROM HOME
40 REPORT 9 4 WAL PEMBROKESHIRE PEMBROKE RIVER QUAY ON LAND FELL IN Y N M 61 Y FOUND IN WATER
158 BOTH 1 8 WAL PEMBROKESHIRE SAUNDERSFOOT SEA BEACH COPPIT HALL BEACH ON LAND FOUND M 58 Y OP FOUND ON BEACH. HAD BEEN DRINKING. DIABETIC
403 REPORT 5 11 WAL PEMBROKESHIRE TENBY SEA INSHORE CASTLE BEACH IN WATER FOUND Y F 25 DR OP TREATED FOR DEPRESSION AFTER BIRTH OF CHILD
190 REPORT 20 8 WAL PEMBROKESHIRE RIVER BROOK ON LAND WALKING N F 76 M AC
58 BOTH 5 4 WAL PORT TALBOT NEATH CANAL CANAL NEATH IN WATER FOUND N F 43 Y TOOK ANTI DEPRESSANTS AND ALCOHOL AND MAY HAVE KNOCKED HER OUT.
391 REPORT 29 6 WAL SOUTH GLAMORGAN RIVER RIVER TAFF ON LAND FELL IN Y Y M 45 E Y AC FELL IN AFTER DRINKING
32 PRESS 26 8 WAL SWANSEA SEA INSHORE IN WATER SWIMMING F AA E OP WALKED INTO SEA AND STARTED SWIMMING. DEPRESSED
145 PRESS 20 7 WAL SWANSEA SEA INSHORE RHOSILLI BEACH ON LAND FISHING M 43 SWEPT OUT TO SEA WHILST FISHING
307 PRESS 16 11 WAL SWANSEA RHOSSILI SEA BEACH ON LAND FISHING Y Y M 43 N MI WAVE WASHED HIM OFF ROCKS AND OUT TO SEA
30 PRESS 8 2 WAL VALE OF GLAMORGAN BARRY SEA INSHORE ON LAND FOUND F 41 WASHED UP ONTO ROCKS
236 PRESS 26 9 WAL VALE OF GLAMORGAN LLANTWIT MAJOR SEA INSHORE BOVERTON BEACH ON LAND FOUND M 43 MI FOUND ON BEACH. SUFFERED DEPRESSION
315 REPORT 3 7 WAL WEST GLAMORGAN NEATH LAKE LAKE POND ON LAND FISHING Y Y M 19 P AC FOUND BY FRIENDS. DIABETIC.PRONE TO FITS
239 REPORT 8 10 WAL WEST GLAMORGAN NEATH RIVER RIVER NEATH ON LAND UNKNOWN N M 39 N M DR OP NO LJ. BODY IN WATER FOR SEVERAL DAYS
Back Contents Next Page 20 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 By activities/behaviour Angling Boating 21 2000 10 In Vehicles 15 From Land Amended figures 448 2000 8 Playing 8 There were drownings in , which, represents a significant From Boat 13 reduction from those in 1999 and 1998. This figure does not necessarily Total 18 Sub-aqua signal a reduction in the trend of drowning, but may just be a one-off, 4 Rivers, Canoeing as occurred in 1993 when there was also a significant fall from the Fell In 52 6 By locations Streams, etc Cycling Other 79 202 (45%) previous year. By the following year the numbers drowning were back Alcohol 2 up to previous years and continued to remain at a similar level. Swimming 34 Other organisations such as the RNLI have reported significant reductions in the number of incidents responded to and feel that exposure and participation levels were lower during 2000 than in recent Canals years. A poor summer in terms of weather may have resulted in fewer 45 (10%) numbers of people putting themselves at risk and then ultimately Drownings in drowning when things went wrong. We hope that this reduction is the swimming pools Total start of a real decline in the numbers of people who drown and that 448 there is a greater awareness of the dangers of water amongst the general public. This reduction means that for the whole of the United Public 8 Total 0.8 Kingdom, the death rate due to accidental drowning was per Home 3 13 100,000 population. Private 2 Specifically, the majority of drownings occurred at inland sites, with Docks, rivers and streams accounting for 202 deaths. Child fatalities fell and Harbours particularly those in garden ponds and water features, an area that 18 (3%) Coastal showed a decline for the first time in several years. Hopefully this is a 80 (18%) sign that the campaigns to raise parents’ awareness of the dangers to Rivers with most young children of domestic swimming pools, water features and garden ponds are starting to have an effect. drownings Lakes, So that a distinction between deliberate and accidental deaths can be Reservoirs Thames 38 Nene 5 developed, we are now establishing data collection for deaths through 51 (11%) Swimming Garden Home 6 5 drowning caused by suicide (53 cases) and homicide (7 cases) compared Tay Tees Pools Ponds Baths Clyde 5 Tyne 5 13 (3%) 8 (2%) 29 (6%) to the 448 accidental deaths.
64 Male By age group By monthly totals 41 315 35 Female 101 and sex and countries Age unknown 50 TotalTOTAL 29 32 48 6583 28 Total 27 27 448 39 40 25 38 40 32 23 32 21 30 Males 23 Females Total 16 448 16 15 13 12 11 11 2 11 11 11 1 9 9 8 8 Lakes, Sea Swimming Others 7 7 7 81726252933284932303726England 340 Rivers Pools 6 6 67 and 5 000000010210C.Islands 4 Canals 4 4 4 3 3 00303405001 1N.Ireland 17 2 2 132024124111Wales 22 3 3 7 7 5 7 3 7 4 7 10 2 Scotland 65 Drownings in 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ Age Group JFMAMJJASONDQUARTERLY Scotland by 73 119 136 120 15 10 15 33 29 30 37 44 22 38 23 34 16 16 17 17 11 9 TOTALS location
Back Contents Next Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001 Page 21
2001 By activities/behaviour Drownings in the UK 22 Angling Boating 25 The number of accidental drowning deaths in the UK has fallen for the From Land 9 In Vehicles second year running, from 448 in 2000 to 421 in 2001. The foot and From Boat 7 Playing 10 By locations Rivers, mouth disease outbreak, which severely restricted access to the 16 Sub-aqua 18 Other Total Streams, etc countryside throughout the spring and summer, is believed to be the Canoeing 5 7 (2%) 48 171 (41%) main factor behind the five per cent reduction. Fell In Cycling 1 94 Deaths among the under-15s remained static around 40. There was Alcohol also no increase in the number of under fives who drowned in Swimming 33 gardens, eight in total, despite the continuing growth in the Canals popularity of garden ponds and water features. 53 (13%) The biggest reduction – from 299 to 276 – was in drowning at inland Total open water sites, such as lakes, rivers and canals. They remain the Drownings in 421 major problem, with people still ignoring advice only to swim at properly supervised swimming pools and beaches. swimming pools Drowning in swimming pools fell from 13 to 9. Deaths at sea and 98 79 along the coast dropped from to , but there was an increase in Public 7 29 43 Total drowning in the home from to , mainly involving elderly people. Home 1 9 Docks, Overall the drowning rate per 100,000 of population is 0.76. 1 Harbours Private 14 (3%) The distinction between non-accidental and accidental drowning Coastal deaths is important and compared to the 421 accidental drownings 74 (18%) there were 68 recorded suicides and 14 cases of homicide.
Lakes, Rivers with most drownings Reservoirs 52 (12%) Swimming Garden Home Thames 26 Nene 5 Pools Ponds Baths Severn 8 Clyde 4 10 (2%) 31 (7%) 9 (2%) Usk 6 Tyne 4
Male By age group By monthly totals 311 36 Female 57 31 68 and sex and countries Age unknown TotalTOTAL 42 63 47 47 83 Total 27 27 421 41 26 24 24 23 23 34 34 32 32 21 21 Males 27 23 23 Females Total 16 421 15 13 12 10 10 5 1
7 Lakes, Sea Swimming Others 7 14 18 11 30 38 24 28 37 34 27 27 21 England 309 Rivers Pools 6 6 6 6 6 6 and 5 5 310000000000C.Islands 4 Canals 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 202010032000N.Ireland 10 2 2 1 021 313354436Wales 35 Drownings in 0 4218701127345Scotland 54 0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ Age Group JFMAMJJASONDQUARTERLY Scotland by 61 115 136 100 17 7 9 26 23 30 29 31 37 27 29 23 22 20 16 11 12 10 TOTALS location
Back Contents Next Page 22 Drowning Statistics in the UK 2001
Drowning Trend 1990–2001
Total Number of Drownings in the UK from 1990–2001 700 Collected Year Total Projected Totals 1990 496 600 1991 446 1992 496 500 1993 384 1994 448 1995 473 400 1996 441 1997 440 300 Drownings 1998 568
1999 570 200 2000 448 2001 421 100
0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Year
Data Analysis A = Average taken from years 1990–1997.Average = 453 B = Average taken from 1998 and 2001. These are the years where new data collection methods are introduced including Coroner’s report. Average = 499.5 Difference between averages = (B – A) = 46.5
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