16/09/2024

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has launched its annual Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, which will run from 16-22 September 2024. 

Now in its tenth year, the national campaign focuses on reducing the number of substance-related drownings across the UK and Ireland. 

According to One Poll (2024) *, 3 in 4 of young adult drinkers think it is okay to drink alcohol and get into the water. In the last year, young adult drinkers are also three times more likely to have been swimming or have entered the water after drinking alcohol, when compared to older adults.

The campaign directly targets Freshers across the UK and Ireland as they embark on their university journey, encouraging individuals to stay safe and take responsibility for their friends when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Don’t Drink and Drown prompts students to #BeAMate, help each other out and avoid dangerous routes by water after a night out – to ensure they return home safely.

Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “These statistics highlight the need to continue raising awareness among young people in particular, around the dangers of drinking alcohol and being near water. 

“With 46% of accidental drownings of those aged between 18-25 involving alcohol and/or drugs**, it is so important to educate students and Freshers across the country as they move to new cities and unfamiliar surroundings. 

“We hope that the campaign helps encourage Freshers to stay safe, be responsible and look out for one another after a night out – taking that extra step to make sure mates get home safe.” 

RLSS UK will be launching its December Don’t Drink and Drown campaign from 12-20 December 2024. The December campaign seeks to encourage people to enjoy the festivities of Christmas and get merry together, but to do so responsibly and stay away from the water.  

*A UK nationally representative survey of adults aged 18+
**WAID (2018-2023)

For more info around the campaign

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