Join West Kirby RNLI for World Drowning Prevention Day

On Friday 25 July, West Kirby RNLI volunteers will be hosting a water safety event from 12pm to 4pm, under the RNLI gazebo on the north end of West Kirby Marine Lake.

There will be a float mat to lie on to demonstrate ‘Float to Live’, a method of increasing safety when experiencing cold water shock, as well as a focus on tidal cut off issues with reference to the area’s local geography and walking to Hilbre Island.

The RNLI Lifeguards, who are already stationed on the beach, from 10am to 6pm every day until 7 September, will also join for a portion of the event, time and responsibility permitting.

At 5.50pm, members of the public are invited to gather opposite the lifeboat station gates near the old baths to watch West Kirby’s D class lifeboat launch onto the lake. There will be crew member commentary and explanation of the lifeboat exercise from 6pm until 7pm.

Graeme Skinner, West Kirby RNLI Water Safety Officer, said:

‘World Drowning Prevention Day was declared through the UN General Assembly Resolution and is held annually on 25 July.

‘This global advocacy event serves as an opportunity to highlight the tragic and profound impact of drowning on families and communities and offer lifesaving solutions to prevent it.

‘Globally an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.

‘The best way to enjoy the water is to be safe. We look forward to seeing many of you on 25 July.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Eve Kemp, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on [email protected] or 07446888713.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.