BERKSHIRE has been ranked joint seventh highest county for drug — and alcohol — related drownings in the UK.
Now, residents are being encouraged to think before they drink.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) recently launched its Don’t Drink and Drown campaign in a bid to save lives this Christmas.
And it’s asking people in Berkshire to avoid walking home alongside water after going out for a drink.
RLSS UK named Berkshire a high risk area after it was revealed that last year, three of the six people who drowned in the county were intoxicated.
Over the last five years, 14 of the 34 people who have drowned in the area were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With more people choosing to drink at home this December, there is a real temptation to enjoy more generous measures,” said Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK.
Mr Gofton says that alcohol can “seriously impede” people’s ability to survive in water, and is urging residents to avoid walking near water in the dark.
For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk or search ‘#DontDrinkandDrown’ on social media.
