Stephen Metcalfe MP pledges support to Royal Life Saving Society UK
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock has pledged his support to Royal Life Saving Society UK, after the charity’s trip to Westminster.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK sent representatives to Westminster Palace ahead of its annual national campaign, Drowning Prevention Week which this year runs from June 20th to June 28th. They hoped to gain the support of MPs, so they in turn can support their constituents with drowning prevention messages.
Throughout the afternoon, CPR workshops and water safety advice sessions were held, where the RLSS UK invited Stephen Metcalfe MP to find out more about the charity and how best he can support his constituents. Stephen Metcalfe MP then signed the RLSS UK’s pledge ‘to support RLSS UK in their aim to reduce the rate of drownings in the UK’.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “RLSS UK is an incredibly important charity, and the lifesaving work they do across the country is of tremendous value. Accidental drowning is a huge tragedy when it occurs, and it is so important we do everything we can to minimise how often it occurs here in the UK.”
“The RLSS UK do incredible work educating current and future generations so that they are more informed about potential risks – and I am so glad to be supporting them”.
RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer, said: “The number of accidental drowning incidences has, over the last few years, reached a plateau of around 400. There is no quick fix to get this number down further. There are many at-risk groups for many different reasons. Education to instil a change in behaviour is considered the only method that will reach the final 400, as well as future generations, and help prevent these tragic deaths and accidents.
“We can’t do it alone. We need everyone’s help to raise awareness about the reality of accidental drowning, and to get water safety at the forefront of people’s minds.”
Peter Moyes, RLSS UK’s President added to this: “We were overwhelmed with the support offered by MPs during our session on Tuesday and can’t thank Stephen Metcalfe MP enough for pledging to help us in our efforts, not only during Drowning Prevention Week but all year round, especially to get water safety education taught in all schools.”
It cannot be emphasized how important RLSS UK’s work is. Jackie Roberts, the mother of student Megan Roberts, who tragically drowned in the River Ouse in January last year, has been working with RLSS UK on a number of projects. She said: “I am working with the RLSS UK as my daughter’s life meant so much and I want to do something in respect to her, and to prevent further tragedies.”
“It was great to talk to Stephen Metcalfe MP today and hopefully raise the importance of the charity’s work and the importance of water safety education.”
To prevent further tragedies and loss of life, such as the drowning of Megan Roberts, RLSS UK’s main goal is to promote drowning prevention messages and deliver water safety education nationally. They work tirelessly to achieve this through various schemes and campaigns, including offering a range of awards and programmes that teach lifesaving skills to all ages, and the national campaign, Drowning Prevention Week.
For more information on the RLSS UK, Drowning Prevention Week 2015, water safety advice or details on lifesaving courses suitable for children and adults -
Visit the website at www.rlss.org.uk
Follow them on Twitter - @RLSSUK
Visit their Facebook page - www.facebook.com/RLSSUK
