THE BROADS SOCIETY SUPPORTS THE NATIONWIDE RLSS “DON’T DRINK AND DROWN” CAMPAIGN

The “Don’t Drink and Drown” campaign initiated by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)

aims to reduce drownings related to alcohol and drugs. As another boating season begins,

everyone on the water is encouraged to take responsibility not only for themselves but also

for their friends and family, ensuring everyone remains safe.

RLSS has reported that 26% of the 226 individuals who drowned in England in 2022 were

under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The situation was particularly severe among the 18

to 25 age group, where the proportion rose to 46%. They also indicated that 60% of the

drownings occurred in inland waters, such as the Broads, where a recent inquest revealed

that one victim had consumed more than twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Losing control of a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs has led to several

tragic deaths on the Broads, which is why the Navigation Byelaws specify that “a person

shall not navigate a vessel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as

to be incapable of taking proper control of the vessel.”

More guidance is available on the RLSS website https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/dont-drink-and-drown and the Broads Authority has released a series of videos to help inform all boat hirers how to stay safe on the Broads: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-essentials

Boating can play such an important part in our health and well-being, and everyone should

be encouraged to enjoy themselves while visiting the Broads, whether on land or on the

water. But, as the RLSS says, sensible boating is the fundamental message. Alcohol

hinders judgment and may cause us to become more reckless and uninhibited, even at low

alcohol concentrations in the blood.

A sensible approach to drinking will ensure that visitors return home safely after their trip to

the Broads and revisit this beautiful part of Norfolk very soon, while residents will continue to

enjoy the privilege of navigating Britain’s finest inland waterway for years to come.

STAY SAFE – DON’T DRINK AND DROWN!