08/06/2006

'Don't Drink & Drown' campaign launched

A 'Don't Drink and Drown' safety campaign, aimed at preventing people who've been drinking from putting themselves in danger along the UK's cliffs coastlines and beaches, has been launched.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency has designed and produced thousands of 'Don't Drink and Drown' beer mats for use in waterside bars and pubs throughout the UK to warn people that drinking alcohol and then participating in sailing, swimming or any other water-borne activities can be a recipe for disaster.

The beer mats display various hard-hitting images depicting people drowning to drive home the message that people should stay clear of the water after drinking alcohol.

Coastguards will shortly be distributing these in waterside bars in readiness for the summer season.

Chief Coastguard Peter Dymond said: "We are trying to get the message across to anyone who wants to let their hair down during the summer that the warm evenings coupled with excessive drinking can lead to serious accidents or death.

"It can be very hard for the emergency services to have to tell a family that their son or daughter has been seriously injured or worse when we would rather they were enjoying a lovely holiday and going home safely.

"Our advice is to mix spirits and water only in a glass! Excessive alcohol impairs judgement and reaction times which can lead to tragic and often fatal accidents. Therefore we are pleased to be launching this important safety drive to raise awareness in order to lessen the potential for alcohol related accidents on the coast and at sea."

(KMcA)

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