The UK’s drowning prevention charity is warning people who walk or run near water to be aware of potential risks, as this group accounts for the largest proportion of UK drownings. With the arrival of the Bank Holiday and the summer season, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) says more people are likely to go out and exercise, and it is important that those whose routes are near open water keep potential dangers in mind.

Statistics released by the Water Accident and Incident Database show that over a fifth of all drownings in 2011 occurred while people were running or walking – 87 of the 411 drownings recorded that year – and some of these deaths are likely to have been preventable. Figures show that walkers and runners are at risk of drowning due to the nature of routes often taken for runs and walks, combined with the fact that these activities are often done alone.

“We are urging people to seriously consider water safety when out and about as some of these deaths would have been preventable,” says Chief Executive of the RLSS UK, Di Standley. “Everyone enjoys making the most of the nicer weather and running and walking at this time of year are fantastic ways of doing that. Sadly in some cases an activity such as this has resulted in lives being lost. By being aware of possible risks and simple steps that can be taken, people could potential save their own or others lives.”

The top three locations where people have accidentally drowned while running or walking were rivers (32 deaths), coasts (22) and canals (10). Lakes, ponds, streams and harbours completed the total.

Top 5 Water Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surroundings and take notice of any warning signs when out and about

•When running or walking next to open water, stay well clear of bank edges. They are often unstable and this can create slips, trips and falls

•Try to always walk or run with a friend

•Always let someone know where you’re going and take your mobile phone

•Learn swimming and lifesaving skills

For more information on water safety and lifesaving courses, visit www.rlss.org.uk.

Photo by Ed Randall.

Organised entirely by local Ramblers, this is a fun weekend aiming to put Carmarthenshire on the map as an excellent walking destination. There’s a choice of 18 walks to suit all abilities, as well as a Sunday-night party and the customary farewell Welsh tea on Monday.

✆ 01554 776505, www.llanelliramblers.org.uk

Photo by Gareth Lovering.

1–31 May 2013

Situated between the River Dee and the River Mersey, overlooking both the Welsh hills and the spectacular Liverpool skyline, the Wirral Peninsula will offer more than 100 led walks throughout May. Events include a series of walks to mark the 40th anniversary of Wirral Country Park, local Ramblers health walks and tours of the tidal Hilbre Islands at the mouth of the River Dee. The annual 15-mile Wirral Coastal Walk, attracting more than 5,000 people, takes place on 19 May. Most walks are free, so early booking is advisable.

✆ 0151 648 4371 www.visitwirral.com

✆ 01507 609740, www.woldswalking festival.co.uk

1–16 June 2013

There are 71 guided walks and activities for all abilities, providing a great opportunity to see the wonderful scenery and abundant wildlife of the Gower Peninsula and the area around it. New walks for 2013 include The Old Tracks of Llanmadoc, a family treasure hunt from Cwm Ivy, a recreation by actors of Dylan Thomas’s return to Swansea in 1941, and Walking by Numbers – an introduction to the hidden world of geocaching. The festival finishes with an energetic twmpath (dance) at the Pier Café, including a cold buffet menu. Most walks cost £3.50.

✆ 01792 361302, www.gowerwalkingfestival.org

Escape to the dales for a weekend of walking with a difference. This fully guided festival offers 10 themed walks on the Saturday and Sunday, based in and around Barnard Castle, all accompanied by a mountain leader and designed for a range of levels. The terrain is a mixture of easy-going riverside routes and more rugged fell walks, and each walk involves a special interest or skill, such as art, creative writing, photography and navigation skills. Numbers are limited so pre-booking is essential.

✆ 03000 262626, www.discoverdurham dales.co.uk 

East Cheshire Ramblers celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and is hosting a series of special events in addition to its usual full and varied walking programme. One such event is this day-long 25-mile walk along the beautiful Gritstone Trail.

www.ramblerseast cheshire.org.uk

Discover the joys of West Norfolk with the first-ever Fakenham Walking Festival, organised entirely by Ramblers volunteers. This friendly market town is the base for 12 led walks, ranging from 3 to 10 miles, covering Nelson’s birthplace, a medieval pilgrim village and the grounds of two stately homes. Evening entertainment includes live music, a quiz and an illustrated talk on Norfolk wildlife. Walks and transport are free, but places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

✆ 01328 864727, www.fakenhamwalkingfestival.org.uk

Three days of superb guided walks in and around the Shropshire Hills AONB. A geocaching lesson and a wildflower walk are among the wide variety of walks on offer, ranging from one-and- a-half to more than 14 miles, with delicious home-made cakes and drinks at the end of every walk. Evening events include a curry and ceilidh, beer tasting and a meal and quiz. Walks cost £9 and must be booked.

✆ 01588 630531, www.walkingfestival.co.uk

15-23 June 2013

Old favourites and fresh ideas over this nine-day festival, with 53 walks and one beautiful county to explore. New for 2013 are Vaughan’s Way and Offa’s Dyke Path done over three days and the Speed Dating Llama Trek. There are plenty of opportunities to sample Herefordshire’s wonderful food and drink, too: try the Trumpet Trail to meet a furniture-maker and a potter, ending with apple juice, cider and perry tasting. All walks must be booked in advance.

✆ 01432 268430, www.visitherefordshire.co.uk