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39 deaths in Scottish coastal waters | |
(about 9 hours later) | |
A total of 39 people died in accidents around Scotland's coast last year, the RNLI has revealed. | A total of 39 people died in accidents around Scotland's coast last year, the RNLI has revealed. |
Lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 27 lives and rescued 1,014 people. | Lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 27 lives and rescued 1,014 people. |
Over the past four years, a total of 150 people have died - with men accounting for more than two-thirds of the fatalities. | Over the past four years, a total of 150 people have died - with men accounting for more than two-thirds of the fatalities. |
It means that more people are now killed around the coast than in cycling accidents. | It means that more people are now killed around the coast than in cycling accidents. |
Across the UK, the number of deaths last year was at a four-year high of 167. | Across the UK, the number of deaths last year was at a four-year high of 167. |
RNLI Scotland has now launched a drowning awareness campaign, Respect the Water, to warn people to stay safe. | RNLI Scotland has now launched a drowning awareness campaign, Respect the Water, to warn people to stay safe. |
The campaign highlights that adrenaline sports and rough weather cause the most call-outs, but are not the biggest killers. | The campaign highlights that adrenaline sports and rough weather cause the most call-outs, but are not the biggest killers. |
'Cold water shock' | 'Cold water shock' |
Slips and falls while walking and running are the most common cause of coastal fatalities in Scotland, accounting for 21% over the four-year period. | Slips and falls while walking and running are the most common cause of coastal fatalities in Scotland, accounting for 21% over the four-year period. |
Spokesman Michael Avril said: "We're trying to make people, particularly men, realise that they are at risk from drowning if they don't follow some basic but important safety advice. | Spokesman Michael Avril said: "We're trying to make people, particularly men, realise that they are at risk from drowning if they don't follow some basic but important safety advice. |
"Of course we want people to go to the coast and enjoy it - we're lucky to have an exceptional coastline around Scotland. | "Of course we want people to go to the coast and enjoy it - we're lucky to have an exceptional coastline around Scotland. |
"But we want people to understand there are risks, and that they should not underestimate the power of the sea." | "But we want people to understand there are risks, and that they should not underestimate the power of the sea." |
He added: "We're encouraging people to make the most of the coast but to do so safely by sticking to marked paths, staying away from cliff edges and reading safety signs. | He added: "We're encouraging people to make the most of the coast but to do so safely by sticking to marked paths, staying away from cliff edges and reading safety signs. |
"Cold water shock is a particular hazard in Scotland for those who enter the water, intentionally or otherwise. | "Cold water shock is a particular hazard in Scotland for those who enter the water, intentionally or otherwise. |
"The UK sea temperature is cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock - not many people know that. | "The UK sea temperature is cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock - not many people know that. |
"If you're getting into the water, acclimatise gradually in shallow water." | "If you're getting into the water, acclimatise gradually in shallow water." |
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