West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has joined other forces across the UK in support of a new campaign.

‘Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Week 2016’ launched yesterday and aims to raise awareness of the everyday dangers of being near water.

Research has found almost half of all drowning victims in 2014 had no intention of entering the water.

The Chief Fire Officers Association’s Water safety Lead, Dawn Whittaker, has said  “Most people would be shocked to hear that those people drowning just happen to be near water such as runners, walkers and anglers.”