MP backs campaign to reduce drowning deaths

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, has pledged her support to the Royal Life Saving Society UK and the crucial work it does, in reducing incidents of drowning as well as providing water safety education and lifesaving awards across the UK and Ireland.

Representatives from the society went to Westminster seeking support for its annual campaign, which this year runs from June 20 to June 28.

They hoped to gain the support of MPs, so they in turn can support their constituents with drowning-prevention messages.

Mrs Hodgson said: “This is an issue I am extremely passionate about, as too many people are dying unnecessarily, and we really can make changes to stop this from happening.

“In our city we have seen a number of cases over recent years of young people drowning in the River Wear and the pain these deaths have caused their families and friends should push us all to do more to stop untimely deaths from happening.

“The work the RLSS do is extraordinary and I am only too pleased to have been able to talk to them and pledge my support to their campaign.

“Making sure we make progress on this means everyone working together, to improve our collective education around the threats drowning poses to us all.

“I hope people all around the country engage with it and learn more about what can be done to reduce deaths from drowning.”

About 400 people drown in the UK every year.