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Ignorance Risks Lives, Says MCA's Survey
01 Aug 2004
The 'Sea Smart Safety Survey' has also shown that despite a 19% increase in the number of people needing rescue or assistance at the British seaside last year, 55% of parents interviewed would not call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they saw someone having difficulty in the sea. Half of this number would in fact call 999 but would not know which emergency service to ask for, causing a dangerous delay in assistance being provided.
Chief Coastguard John Astbury said, 'Time is of the essence when someone is in danger in the sea or on the surrounding beach or cliff tops. If there is any delay in sending out a Coastguard rescue team, lifeboat or helicopter then it can cost lives. It is essential that people are aware of the potential dangers and that they must call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see anyone in trouble.'
There was also concern expressed that 25% of those interviewed said they would put their own lives at risk by trying to save someone in danger rather than call for assistance. 'This might be the instinctive thing to do for many people, said John Astbury, 'but it is the worst course of action they could take.'
The MCA's Sea Smart campaign promotes sea and beach safety to the parents of young children in order to reduce the large number of preventable accidents and deaths on the British coast every year.
MJ Information No: 19708
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