30/05/2024
Galw am ddiogelwch dŵr wrth i nifer y marwolaethau drwy foddi ymhlith pobl ifanc yng Nghymru gynyddu
Mae pobl o bob oed yng Nghymru yn cael eu hannog i ddysgu cynghorion diogelwch allweddol i helpu pobl ifanc i gadw'n ddiogel o amgylch y môr, afonydd a dŵr agored arall.
Daw'r alwad gan Ddiogelwch Dŵr Cymru wrth i ystadegau ddangos cynnydd mewn marwolaethau drwy foddi’n ddamweiniol ymysg pobl dan 20 oed am yr ail flwyddyn o’r bron.
Mae Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru – cydweithrediad rhwng sefydliadau sy'n ceisio lleihau boddi yng Nghymru – heddiw yn cyhoeddi pedwar cyngor syml ar achub bywydau i helpu pobl ifanc i gadw'n ddiogel wrth ymweld â dŵr agored:
• Stopiwch a meddyliwch: Ydy e’n lle diogel i nofio? Oes yna beryglon dan y dŵr? Oes cerrynt cudd neu ddŵr sy'n llifo'n gyflym? Pa mor ddwfn ydy’r dŵr ac allwch chi ddod allan yn hawdd?
• Arhoswch gyda'ch gilydd: Ewch gyda rhywun arall bob amser
• Arnofiwch: Os byddwch chi'n mynd i drafferth yn y dŵr, arnofiwch i fyw nes eich bod chi'n teimlo'n ddigynnwrf
• Ffoniwch 999 neu 112: Os byddwch chi'n gweld rhywun arall mewn trafferth yn y dŵr
Bu farw saith o bobl dan 20 oed mewn marwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â dŵr yng Nghymru yn 2023 – y nifer uchaf ers i ddata cymharol ddod ar gael o Gronfa Ddata Digwyddiadau Dŵr y Fforwm Diogelwch Dŵr Cenedlaethol (WAID) yn 2015.
Cafwyd cyfanswm o 28 o farwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â dŵr yng Nghymru yn 2023 ar draws lleoliadau mewndirol ac arfordirol, o'i gymharu â 22 y flwyddyn cynt.
Mae'r marwolaethau damweiniol yn rhan o'r 55 o farwolaethau yn gysylltiedig â dŵr yng Nghymru yn 2023, sef cynnydd o saith ar y flwyddyn flaenorol a'r cynnydd cyffredinol cyntaf yng Nghymru mewn pum mlynedd.
Ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig roedd 236 o farwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â dŵr y llynedd – cynnydd o 10 ar y flwyddyn flaenorol.
Dywedodd Chris Cousens, Cadeirydd Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru:
"Roedd pawb sy'n gysylltiedig â Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru yn drist iawn o glywed am y digwyddiadau trasig yn ymwneud â phobl ifanc yn colli eu bywydau mewn dŵr agored yng Nghymru y llynedd.
"Rydyn ni’n credu bod un boddi yn un yn ormod a does dim modd gor-ddweud effaith colli person ifanc drwy foddi. Dylai pobl o bob oed ddysgu a chofio'r pedwar cyngor diogelwch allweddol hyn ar gyfer plant a phobl ifanc a dylai oedolion siarad â'u plant amdanyn nhw.
"Bydd mwy o bobl ifanc yn ymweld â'r môr, afonydd, cronfeydd dŵr, llynnoedd a lleoliadau dŵr agored eraill wrth i'r tywydd wella ac wrth i’r ysgolion gau ar gyfer gwyliau'r haf. Mae'r dŵr yn dal yn ddigon oer i greu sioc dŵr oer, sef ymateb naturiol y corff i ddŵr oer a all achosi panig a dyheu am anadl.
"Os byddwch chi'n mynd i drafferth yn y dŵr, gwrthodwch eich greddf naturiol i fynd i banig ac Arnofiwch i Fyw. Pwyswch yn ôl a defnyddiwch eich breichiau a'ch coesau i'ch helpu i arnofio ar eich cefn, yna rheolwch eich anadlu cyn galw am help neu nofio i le diogel. Os byddwch chi'n gweld rhywun arall mewn trafferth yn y dŵr, ffoniwch 999 neu 112. Os ydych chi ar yr arfordir, gofynnwch am wylwyr y glannau; os ydych chi mewn man mewndirol, gofynnwch am y gwasanaeth tân
Gall y môr, afonydd, llynnoedd a dyfroedd agored eraill edrych yn dawel a deniadol, ond gall dŵr agored fod yn wahanol iawn i bwll nofio. Mae'r dŵr fel arfer yn symud ac mae tonnau, cerrynt a llif yn gallu gwneud nofio'n anodd. Mae'n bwysig eich bod yn gwybod dyfnder y dŵr a beth all fod dan yr wyneb.'
Daw'r data newydd yng nghanol y newyddion y bydd y Gymdeithas Frenhinol er Atal Damweiniau, diolch i gyllid gan Lywodraeth Cymru, yn goruchwylio ysgrifenyddiaeth Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru ac yn rheoli prosiectau penodol y cytunwyd arnynt megis mewn addysg, arwyddion ac ymgysylltu ag awdurdodau lleol.
Dywedodd Huw Irranca-Davies, Ysgrifennydd Llywodraeth Cymru dros Newid Hinsawdd a Materion Gwledig: "Mae dŵr yn rhan sylfaenol o'n bywydau ni yng Nghymru ond gyda'r harddwch a'r trysor yma daw cyfrifoldeb pendant: i wneud ein gorau glas i sicrhau bod ein dyfroedd yn ddiogel i bawb.
"Mae yna ormod o ddigwyddiadau a marwolaethau yn gysylltiedig â dŵr o hyd. Dyma lle mae’n hymdrechion ni tuag at ddiogelwch dŵr yn dod yn bwysig, a pham mae'r gwaith sy'n cael ei wneud gan Ddiogelwch Dŵr Cymru a, nawr gyda chymorth y bartneriaeth newydd gyda RoSPA, mor hanfodol.
"Mae diogelwch o amgylch dŵr yn hollbwysig. Mae'r cynnydd mewn digwyddiadau boddi ymhlith pobl ifanc yng Nghymru yn ein hatgoffa ni fod gwyliadwriaeth ac addysg yn hanfodol.
"Gyda'n gilydd, gallwn achub bywydau a gadewch inni sicrhau bod pob plentyn yn gwybod sut i gadw'n ddiogel wrth ddŵr agored yr haf yma."
Dywedodd Carlene McAvoy, Uwch Reolwr Polisi RoSPA:
"Rydyn ni’n drist iawn gyda'r ffigurau sy'n dangos bod marwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â dŵr yn 2023 wedi codi yng Nghymru ers 2022. Mae'r data hefyd yn dangos bod mwy na hanner y marwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â gweithgareddau bob dydd, sydd hefyd yn peri pryder ac yn achos dros weithredu.
"Er mwyn mynd i'r afael â hyn, rydyn ni’n edrych ymlaen at weithio gydag aelodau Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru i ddatblygu rhagor o fentrau a phrosiectau i helpu i godi ymwybyddiaeth o beryglon dŵr."
Mae’r canfyddiadau allweddol o ystadegau 2023 yn cynnwys:
• Gwrywod oedd 76 y cant o’r marwolaethau damweiniol, a gwrywod 10-19 oedd y grŵp oedran â’r risg uchaf.
• Digwyddodd 59 y cant o’r marwolaethau damweiniol yn fewndirol, gan danlinellu'r peryglon sy’n bresennol mewn afonydd, llynnoedd, a dyfroedd mewndirol eraill.
• Gweithgareddau bob dydd oedd yn gyfrifol am 52 y cant o'r marwolaethau hyn, gan bwysleisio'r angen am ymwybyddiaeth uwch yn ystod gweithgareddau arferol
ger dŵr.
• Nododd dau adroddiad ar farwolaeth ddamweiniol fod alcohol yn bresennol, gan dynnu sylw at ffactor risg ychwanegol yn sgil defnyddio sylweddau yn ymyl dŵr.
• Cyfradd y marwolaethau damweiniol yn gysylltiedig â dŵr oedd 0.89 am bob 100,000 o boblogaeth, sef cynnydd ar y gwaelodlin cyfartalog o 0.76 a osodwyd gan Strategaeth Atal Boddi Cymru 2024-2026 (WDPS).
Mae Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru yn cefnogi #ParchwchYDŵr gan y Fforwm Diogelwch Dŵr Cenedlaethol, sef ymgyrch ar y cyd sy’n anelu at roi cyngor achub bywyd syml a all helpu’r cyhoedd i gymryd cyfrifoldeb personol dros eu diogelwch nhw eu hunain a'u teulu trwy gofio dau awgrym achub bywyd. Bydd y Fforwm hefyd yn hybu ymgyrch yn nes ymlaen yn yr haf ar gyfer Diwrnod Atal Boddi y Byd ar 25 Gorffennaf.
Ychwanegodd Chris Cousens: "Byddwn ni’n lleihau boddi os bydd pawb yn chwarae eu rhan a nod Strategaeth Atal Boddi Cymru 2020-2026 yw galluogi pobl sy'n byw yng Nghymru ac yn ymweld â Chymru i fod yn fwy diogel mewn dŵr, ar ddŵr ac o gwmpas dŵr a hynny trwy leihau marwolaethau a digwyddiadau sy'n gysylltiedig â dŵr."
I weld a lawrlwytho adroddiad WAID 2023 ewch yma.
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am ymgyrch #ParchwchYDŵr ewch i https://respectthewater.com/
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30/05/2024
Water safety call as number of drowning deaths in young people in Wales rises
People of all ages in Wales are being encouraged to learn key safety tips to help young people stay safe around the sea, rivers and other open water.
The call from Water Safety Wales comes as statistics showed a rise in accidental drowning deaths involving people aged under 20 for a second year running.
Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of organisations striving to reduce drowning in Wales – is today issuing four simple lifesaving tips to help young people stay safe when visiting open water:
• Stop and think: Is it a safe place to swim? Are there hazards beneath the water? Are there hidden currents or fast-flowing water? How deep is it and can you get out easily?
• Stay together: Always go with someone else
• Float: If you get into trouble in the water, float to live until you feel calm
• Call 999 or 112: If you see someone else in trouble in the water
Seven people under 20 died in accidental water-related fatalities in Wales in 2023 – the highest number since comparable data became available from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database (WAID) in 2015.
In total, there were 28 deaths in Wales from accidental water-related fatalities in 2023 across inland and coastal locations, compared with 22 the previous year.
The accidental deaths form part of the 55 total water-related fatalities in Wales for 2023, an increase of seven from the previous year and the first overall increase in Wales in five years.
Across the UK there were 236 accidental water-related fatalities last year – an increase of 10 from the previous year.
Chris Cousens, Water Safety Wales Chair, said:
“Everyone connected to Water Safety Wales was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incidents involving young people losing their lives in open water in Wales last year.
“We believe that one drowning is one too many and the impact of losing a young person to drowning cannot be underestimated. People of all ages should learn and remember these four key safety tips for children and young people and adults should talk to their youngsters about them.
“More young people will be visiting the sea, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and other open water locations as weather improves and schools break for summer holidays. The water is still cold enough to trigger cold water shock, the body’s natural reaction to cold water which can cause panic and gasping.
“If you get into trouble in the water, resist the natural instinct to panic and Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float on your back, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast, ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service
‘Sea, rivers, lakes and other open water can look calm and inviting, but open water can be very different from a swimming pool. The water is usually moving and waves, currents and flow can make swimming difficult. It is important you know the depth of the water and what may be under the surface.’
The fresh data comes amid the news that, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents will be overseeing the secretariat of Water Safety Wales and the management of specific agreed projects such as in education, signage and local authority engagement.
Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said:
“Water is a fundamental part of our lives in Wales. However, with this beauty and bounty comes a firm responsibility: to do our utmost to ensure that our waters are safe for everyone.
“There are still too many water-related incidents and fatalities occurring. This is where our efforts toward water safety gain importance, and why the work being done by Water Safety Wales and, now with the support of the newfound partnership with RoSPA, is so crucial.
“Safety around water is paramount. The rise in drowning incidents among young people in Wales is a stark reminder that vigilance and education are crucial.
“Together, we can save lives and let's ensure that every child knows how to stay safe by open water this summer.”
Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said:
"We are saddened by the figures that show accidental water-related deaths in 2023 rose from 2022 in Wales. The data also shows that more than half of accidental fatalities involved everyday activities, which is also a cause for concern and action.
"To combat this, we look forward to working with Water Safety Wales members, to develop further initiatives and projects to help raise awareness of the dangers of water."
Key insights from the 2023 statistics include:
• 76 per cent of accidental fatalities were male, with the highest risk age group being males aged 10-19.
• 59 per cent of accidental fatalities occurred inland, underscoring the dangers present in rivers, lakes, and other inland water bodies.
• Everyday activities accounted for 52 per cent of these fatalities, emphasising the need for heightened awareness during routine activities near water.
• Two accidental fatality reports noted the presence of alcohol, highlighting the added risk factor of substance use around water.
• The rate of accidental water-related fatalities was 0.89 per 100,000 population, an increase from the baseline average of 0.76 set by Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2024-2026 (WDPS).
Water Safety Wales supports the National Water Safety Forum’s #RespectTheWater, a collective campaign aiming to provide simple life saving advice which can help members of the public take personal responsibility for their own and their family’s safety by remembering two lifesaving tips. The Forum will also be promoting the campaign later in the summer for World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July.
Chris Cousens added: “We will reduce drowning if everyone plays their part and Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 aims to enable people living and visiting Wales to be safer in, on and around water by reducing water-related deaths and incidents.”
To view and download the WAID 2023 report visit here.
For more information about the #RespectTheWater campaign visit https://respectthewater.com/
Read More >
18/05/2023
Rise in drownings in under-20s in Wales prompts call for children and young people to be safe around open water
People of all ages in Wales are being encouraged to learn key safety tips to help children and young people stay safe around the sea, rivers and other open water.
The call from the Water Safety Wales group comes as annual drowning statistics showed a rise in accidental drowning deaths involving people aged under 20.
Four people under 20 died in accidental drownings in Wales in 2022 – the highest number since comparable data became available from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database (WAID) in 2015.
In total, there were 22 deaths in Wales from accidental drowning in 2022 across inland and coastal locations, compared with 26 the previous year.
The accidental drownings form part of the 48 total water-related fatalities in the Wales for 2022, a decrease of one from the previous year and the fourth consecutive year of overall reduction in Wales.
Across the UK there were 226 accidental water-related fatalities - a decrease of 51 from the previous year. This was part of the 597 total drownings last year, a decrease of 19 from the previous year.
The rise in drowning incidents involving children and young people in Wales has prompted Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of organisations striving to reduce drowning in Wales – to issue four simple lifesaving tips to help young people stay safe when visiting open water:
- Stop and think: Is it a safe place to swim? Are there hazards beneath the water? Are there hidden currents or fast-flowing water? How deep is it and can you get out easily?
- Stay together: Always go with someone else
- Float: If you get into trouble in the water, float to live until you feel calm
- Call 999 or 112: If you see someone else in trouble in the water
Chris Cousens, Water Safety Wales Chair, said: “Everyone connected to Water Safety Wales was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incidents involving young people losing their lives in open water in Wales last year.
“We believe that one drowning is one too many and the impact of losing a young person to drowning cannot be underestimated. People of all ages should learn and remember these four key safety tips for children and young people and adults should talk to their youngsters about them.
“More young people will be visiting the sea, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and other open water locations in the coming weeks and months as weather improves and schools break for summer holidays. The water is still cold enough to trigger cold water shock, the body’s natural reaction to cold water which can cause panic and gasping.
“If you get into trouble in the water, resist the natural instinct to panic and Float to Live. Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float on your back, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety. If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast, ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service
‘Sea, rivers, lakes and other open water can look calm and inviting, but open water can be very different from a swimming pool. The water is usually moving and waves, currents and flow can make swimming difficult. It is important you know the depth of the water and what may be under the surface.’
In 2022 the Julie James MS, Welsh Government Climate Change Minister, committed her support to working with Water Safety Wales to deliver the Welsh Drowning Prevention Strategy. It came after tireless work from families in Wales affected by drowning, including Leanne Bartley, from Ruthin, who launched a petition in memory of her son Mark Allen calling for water safety improvements which gained more than 10,000 signatures.
Chris Cousens added: ‘It is really encouraging that the overall number of drownings in Wales fell slightly for the fourth year running in 2022 and that accidental drownings were down more than 15% on the previous year.
‘Having the support of Julie James and her teams is a major step forward for drowning prevention in Wales and we are delighted to be working with Welsh Government on our vision of a Wales with zero drowning.’
Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said, “I am pleased to see a reduction in the overall number of accidental drownings in Wales, however, the increase in accidental drowning deaths among young people is very concerning. I offer my profound sympathies to anyone who has been affected by any drowning incident in Wales.
“The Drowning Prevention Strategy and the work of Water Safety Wales have my full support. Work has already started to implement the recommendations of the Senedd Petitions Committee Water Safety and Drowning Prevention report and I look forward to working with Water Safety Wales on delivering the Drowning Prevention Strategy.”
The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the NWSF, highlight drowning trends from 2022.
Key accidental drowning death WAID insights for Wales include:
- There were 22 accidental fatalities
- 91% of accidental fatalities were male
- Males 10 -19 were the highest group for accidental fatalities
- 50% of accidental drowning deaths happened at the coast and 50% at inland waterways
- Recreational activities accounted for 72% of accidental fatalities
- 28% of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.
- 46% of the drowning deaths in Wales happened in the months of June, July and August.
Water Safety Wales supports the National Water Safety Forum’s #RespecttheWater, a collective campaign aiming to provide simple life saving advice which can help members of the public take personal responsibility for their own and their family’s safety by remembering two lifesaving tips. The Forum will also be promoting the campaign later in the summer for World Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July.
Chris Cousens added: “We will reduce drowning if everyone plays their part and Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 aims to enable people living and visiting Wales to be safer in, on and around water by reducing water-related deaths and incidents.”
For more information about the #RespectTheWater campaign visit https://respectthewater.com/
Read More >
18/05/2023
Cynnydd yn nifer y bobl iau nag 20 oed sy’n boddi yng Nghymru yn ysgogi galwad i blant a phobl ifanc fod yn ddiogel o amgylch dŵr agored
Mae pobl o bob oed yng Nghymru yn cael eu hannog i ddilyn cyngor allweddol ar ddiogelwch er mwyn helpu plant a phobl ifanc i aros yn ddiogel o amgylch y môr, afonydd a dŵr agored arall.
Daw’r alwad gan grŵp Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru wrth i ystadegau blynyddol am foddi ddangos cynnydd yn nifer y marwolaethau damweiniol o ganlyniad i foddi yn ymwneud â phobl iau nag 20 oed.
Bu farw pedwar unigolyn iau nag 20 oed o ganlyniad i foddi’n ddamweiniol yng Nghymru yn 2022 – y nifer uchaf ers i ddata cymaradwy ddod ar gael gan Gronfa Ddata Digwyddiadau Dŵr (WAID) y Fforwm Diogelwch Dŵr Cenedlaethol yn 2015.
Roedd cyfanswm o 22 o farwolaethau yng Nghymru o ganlyniad i foddi’n ddamweiniol yn 2022 ar draws lleoliadau mewndirol ac arfordirol, o gymharu â 26 yn y flwyddyn flaenorol.
Mae’r achosion o foddi’n ddamweiniol yn rhan o’r cyfanswm o 48 o farwolaethau cysylltiedig â dŵr yng Nghymru ar gyfer 2022, sef un yn llai na’r flwyddyn flaenorol a gostyngiad cyffredinol yng Nghymru am y bedwaredd flwyddyn yn olynol.
Roedd 226 o farwolaethau damweiniol cysylltiedig â dŵr ledled y Deyrnas Unedig – 51 yn llai na’r flwyddyn flaenorol. Roedd hyn yn rhan o’r cyfanswm o 597 o achosion o foddi y llynedd, sef 19 yn llai na’r flwyddyn flaenorol.
Mae’r cynnydd mewn digwyddiadau boddi yn ymwneud â phlant a phobl ifanc yng Nghymru wedi ysgogi Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru – sef cydweithrediad o sefydliadau sy’n ymdrechu i leihau boddi yng Nghymru – i gyhoeddi pedwar canllaw syml ar achub bywydau i helpu pobl ifanc i aros yn ddiogel wrth ymweld â dŵr agored:
- Pwyllwch: A yw’n lle diogel i nofio? A oes peryglon o dan y dŵr? A oes cerhyntau cudd neu ddŵr sy’n llifo’n gyflym? Pa mor ddwfn ydyw ac a allwch chi ddod allan yn rhwydd?
- Arhoswch gyda’ch gilydd: Ewch gyda rhywun arall bob amser
- Arnofiwch: Os byddwch mewn trafferth yn y dŵr, arnofiwch i fyw nes i chi dawelu
- Galwch 999 neu 112: Os byddwch yn gweld rhywun arall mewn trafferth yn y dŵr
Dywedodd Chris Cousens, Cadeirydd Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru: “Roedd pawb yn gysylltiedig â Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru yn drist iawn i glywed am y digwyddiadau trasig yn ymwneud â phobl ifanc yn colli eu bywydau mewn dŵr agored yng Nghymru y llynedd.
“Credwn fod un achos o foddi’n ormod ac ni ellir bychanu effaith colli person ifanc o ganlyniad i foddi. Dylai pobl o bob oed ddysgu a chofio’r pedwar canllaw diogelwch allweddol hyn i blant a phobl ifanc, a dylai oedolion siarad â’u plant amdanynt.
“Bydd mwy o bobl ifanc yn ymweld â’r môr, afonydd, cronfeydd dŵr, llynnoedd a lleoliadau dŵr agored eraill yn ystod yr wythnosau a’r misoedd i ddod wrth i’r tywydd wella ac ysgolion dorri ar gyfer gwyliau’r haf. Mae’r dŵr yn dal i fod yn ddigon oer i sbarduno sioc dŵr oer, sef adwaith naturiol y corff i ddŵr oer sy’n gallu achosi panig ac ebychu am aer.
“Os byddwch chi’n mynd i drafferth yn y dŵr, brwydrwch yn erbyn y reddf naturiol i gynhyrfu ac Arnofiwch i Fyw. Pwyswch yn ôl a defnyddiwch eich breichiau a’ch coesau i’ch helpu i arnofio ar eich cefn, yna rheolwch eich anadl cyn galw am help neu nofio i ddiogelwch. Os byddwch yn gweld rhywun arall mewn trafferth yn y dŵr, galwch 999 neu 112. Os ydych chi ar yr arfordir, gofynnwch am wylwyr y glannau. Os ydych chi ymhellach i mewn i’r tir, gofynnwch am y gwasanaeth tân.
‘Mae’r môr, afonydd, llynnoedd a dŵr agored arall edrych yn llonydd ac yn ddeniadol, ond gall dŵr agored fod yn wahanol iawn i bwll nofio. Mae’r dŵr fel arfer yn symud ac mae tonnau, cerhyntau a llif yn gallu gwneud nofio’n anodd. Mae’n bwysig eich bod yn gwybod dyfnder y dŵr a beth allai fod o dan yr wyneb.’
Yn 2022, ymrwymodd yr Aelod o’r Senedd Julie James, Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd Llywodraeth Cymru, ei chefnogaeth i weithio gyda Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru i gyflawni Strategaeth Atal Boddi Cymru. Daeth hyn ar ôl gwaith diflino gan deuluoedd yng Nghymru yr effeithiwyd arnynt gan foddi, gan gynnwys Leanne Bartley o Ruthun a lansiodd ddeiseb er cof am ei mab, Mark Allen, yn galw am welliannau diogelwch dŵr a gafodd fwy na 10,000 o lofnodion.
Ychwanegodd Chris Cousens: ‘Mae’n galonogol iawn bod nifer gyffredinol yr achosion o foddi yng Nghymru wedi gostwng ychydig am y bedwaredd flwyddyn yn olynol yn 2022 a bod achosion o foddi’n ddamweiniol wedi gostwng mwy na 15% ers y flwyddyn flaenorol.
‘Mae cael cefnogaeth Julie James a’i thimau yn gam mawr ymlaen i atal boddi yng Nghymru ac rydym yn falch iawn o fod yn gweithio gyda Llywodraeth Cymru ar ein gweledigaeth o Gymru lle nad oes neb yn boddi.’
Dywedodd y Gweinidog Newid Hinsawdd, Julie James, “Rwy’n falch o weld gostyngiad yn nifer gyffredinol yr achosion o foddi damweiniol yng Nghymru. Fodd bynnag, mae’r cynnydd mewn marwolaethau damweiniol o ganlyniad i foddi ymhlith pobl ifanc yn achos pryder mawr. Cynigiaf fy nghydymdeimlad dwys i unrhyw un y mae unrhyw ddigwyddiad boddi yng Nghymru wedi effeithio arno.
“Rwy’n llwyr gefnogi’r Strategaeth Atal Boddi a gwaith Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru. Mae gwaith eisoes wedi dechrau i weithredu argymhellion adroddiad Diogelwch Dŵr ac Atal Boddi Pwyllgor Deisebau’r Senedd, ac edrychaf ymlaen at weithio gyda Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru ar gyflawni’r Strategaeth Atal Boddi.”
Mae’r ffigurau diweddaraf o’r Gronfa Ddata Digwyddiadau Dŵr (WAID), a gynhelir gan y Fforwm Diogelwch Dŵr Cenedlaethol, yn amlygu tueddiadau boddi o 2022.
Dyma rai ffeithiau allweddol gan WAID am farwolaethau o ganlyniad i foddi’n ddamweiniol yng Nghymru:
- Roedd 22 o farwolaethau damweiniol
- Gwrywod oedd 91% o’r rhai a fu farw’n ddamweiniol
- Gwrywod 10-19 oed oedd y grŵp uchaf ar gyfer marwolaethau damweiniol
- Digwyddodd 50% o’r marwolaethau o ganlyniad i foddi’n ddamweiniol ar yr arfordir a 50% ar ddyfrffyrdd mewndirol
- Roedd gweithgareddau hamdden yn cyfrif am 72% o’r marwolaethau damweiniol
- Nid oedd 28% o bobl wedi bwriadu mynd i mewn i’r dŵr, fel pobl a oedd yn cerdded, ac roedd achosion yn cynnwys llithro, baglu a chwympo, cael eu hynysu gan y llanw, neu gael eu hysgubo i mewn gan y tonnau.
- Digwyddodd 46% o’r marwolaethau o ganlyniad i foddi yng Nghymru yn ystod misoedd Mehefin, Gorffennaf ac Awst.
Mae Diogelwch Dŵr Cymru yn cefnogi ymgyrch #ParchwchYDŵr y Fforwm Diogelwch Dŵr Cenedlaethol, sef ymgyrch ar y cyd i roi cyngor syml ar achub bywydau sy’n gallu helpu aelodau’r cyhoedd i gymryd cyfrifoldeb personol am eu diogelwch eu hunain a diogelwch eu teulu trwy gofio dau ganllaw ar achub bywydau. Bydd y Fforwm hefyd yn hyrwyddo’r ymgyrch yn ddiweddarach yn yr haf ar gyfer Diwrnod Atal Boddi y Byd ar 25 Gorffennaf.
Ychwanegodd Chris Cousens: “Byddwn yn lleihau achosion o foddi os bydd pawb yn chwarae eu rhan, a nod Strategaeth Atal Boddi Cymru 2020-2026 yw galluogi pobl sy’n byw yng Nghymru ac yn ymweld â Chymru i fod yn fwy diogel yn y dŵr, ar y dŵr ac o amgylch y dŵr trwy leihau marwolaethau a digwyddiadau cysylltiedig â dŵr.”
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am yr ymgyrch #ParchwchYDŵr, ewch i https://respectthewater.com/
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06/05/2022
There were 26 deaths in Wales from accidental drowning in 2021 across inland and coastal locations, compared with 25 death the previous year.
The accidental drownings form part of the 49 total water-related fatalities in the Wales for 2021, a decrease of 1 from the previous year.
Across the UK there were 277 accidental water-related fatalities - an increase of 23 from the previous year. This was part of the 616 total drownings last year, a decrease of 15 from the previous year.
The consistently high number of accidental fatalities has prompted Water Safety Wales – a collaboration of organisations striving to reduce drowning in Wales – by issuing coordinated advice for those visiting and enjoying waterways and coastlines. Their work is part of the #RespectTheWater campaign. This joint campaign, run by Water Safety Wales and the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), aims to reduce the number of water-related deaths and accidents.
In a call to action, members of Water Safety Wales are asking everyone to support and promote the national #RespectTheWater campaign, to reduce drowning this summer.
The national campaign aims to provide simple lifesaving advice, which can help members of the public take personal responsibility for their own and family’s safety by remembering these lifesaving tips:
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
- Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
- If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are the coast ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service.
The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the NWSF, highlight drowning trends from 2021.
Key accidental drowning death WAID insights for Wales include:
- There were 26 accidental fatalities
- 69% of accidental fatalities were male
- Males 20 - 39 were the highest group for accidental fatalities
- 62% of accidental fatalities happened at coastal waters
- Recreational activities accounted for 58% of accidental fatalities (see Figure 7)
- 30% of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.
Chris Cousens, Water Safety Wales Chair, said: “The pandemic continued to present considerable challenges at our coastal and inland waterways last year. The #RespectTheWater campaign is designed to help prevent further deaths. We urge the public to understand the dangers, to learn the importance of knowing how to float to live, and to call 999 if others are in trouble and if there is a water-related emergency.
‘Last year we saw increased participation in some activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and the consequent rise in incidents, which will be the subject of further Water Safety Wales focus.
‘We would encourage anyone trying stand-up paddleboarding on open water to consider the following:
- Know your limits. Be honest with yourself about your and your companions’ knowledge, fitness and ability. Only attempt a paddle if the conditions are within you and your group’s capabilities.
- Check the latest forecast for your day - check the wind strength and direction again on arrival, avoid offshore winds and strong currents, river levels can rise and fall.
- Wear a leash (attached correctly from your body to the board). Info on choosing the right kind of leash for your activity is
- Wear a buoyancy aid and a wetsuit or insulating layers covered by a windproof jacket.
- If you can, always go with a friend. If you are going out alone, always tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
- Always carry a charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and keep it easily accessible. If you need help, call 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue Service (inland waters) or Coastguard (sea and coastal area)
Chris Cousens added: “Water Safety Wales believes one death is too many and the impact of losing someone to a death in the water cannot be underestimated. We will reduce drowning if everyone plays their part and Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 aims to enable people living and visiting Wales to be safer in, on and around water by reducing water-related deaths and incidents.”
To view and download the WAID 2021 report, which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum, visit: https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/waid/annual-reports-and-data/
ENDS
Footnotes:
(1) This year’s WAID statistics includes a fatality figure from suspected or confirmed suicides. The figure for Wales was 14. Please refer to the Samaritans’ media guidelines when reporting on suicide here and/or the IPSO guidelines: Reporting on suicide for journalists (ipso.co.uk)
Notes to editors
English language interviews with Chris Cousens are available by calling XXXX or by email on XXXX. Welsh language interviews are also available on request.
Download a video featuring family members who have lost loved ones to drowning here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/D38A0623-26AD-4902-A52678D28238BA6D/
Download Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2020-2026 and for more information about Water Safety Wales, visit: http://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/wales/
The WAID water-related fatal accident report compiles data from a variety of sources including coroner’s reports to determine the legal and medical ‘outcome’. The 2020 report has a higher number of ‘not recorded’ reports which may cause the 25 figure to be revised upwards when further information available.
Water Safety Wales is a collaboration of individuals, communities, charities and public and private sector organisations with an interest in water safety and drowning prevention. It aims to reduce water related deaths and incidents in Wales by promoting the importance of a consistent and effective approach to water safety.
Water Safety Wales includes representatives from Adventure Smart Wales, Canal & River Trust, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Dyfed Powys Police, Gwent Police, Keep Wales Tidy, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Mineral Products Association, National Advisory Group to Welsh Government on Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention, National Resources Wales, National Union of Students, National Water Safety Forum, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Life Saving Society UK, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, Samaritans, Severn Trent Water, South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Swansea Council, Swim Wales, Surf Lifesaving Association of Wales, Water Safety Scotland.
A trend report on water-related fatalities in Wales is online here: waid-wales-2021-summary-11-final.pdf (nationalwatersafety.org.uk)
WAID data detail 277 accidental fatalities, 7 crimes, 137 not recorded, 195 suicide suspected.
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