Portsoy drowning tragedy inspires family members latest publication
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Live Life Aberdeenshire is participation in Drowning Prevention Week, an important initiative aimed at raising awareness about water safety and preventing drowning incidents in the UK and is welcoming a well known author of environmental works to Macduff for her latest children's book launch.
Drowning Prevention Week, running from June 17 to 24 is a nationwide initiative that brings together communities, organisations, and individuals to promote water safety education and reduce the risk of drowning incidents in the UK.
By supporting Drowning Prevention Week, the organisation aims to empower individuals of all ages with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe in and around water.
Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, Live Life Aberdeenshire will incorporate various water safety elements into its programs such as an activity weekend at Macduff Marine Aquarium, sessions at libraries, water safety information in all swimming lessons (currently 9000 members), drawing logo competitions promoting water safety, and supporting the launch of the book Sami's Beach Rescue, a book about water safety for children.
"We are excited to be part of Drowning Prevention Week and contribute to raising awareness about water safety," said Avril Nicol, Head of Service at Live Life Aberdeenshire.
"By joining this initiative, we aim to educate our community members, empower them with essential water safety knowledge, and reduce the risk of drowning incidents.
"We believe that through collaboration and education, we can create a safer environment for everyone to enjoy water activities responsibly."
“I am so excited to be launching my new book about water safety, Sami's Beach Rescue, right here in Aberdeenshire!” said author Ellie Jackson.
“I have wanted to write this book ever since sadly losing my younger brother Dom in a sea kayaking accident in 2017.
"Dom went out kayaking from Portsoy and tragically never came home."
His disappearance sparked a major air and sea search, with his kayak turning up on the coast near Lybster and his remains being recovered in the same area several days later.
She continued: "I don't want this to happen to any other family and I have worked hard to raise awareness of being safe on your adventures.
"Now I am really pleased to be sharing this book with children in Aberdeenshire to understand the importance of staying safe in the water.”
Live Life Aberdeenshire encourages community members, schools, and local organisations to join them in supporting Drowning Prevention Week. By working together, they can spread the message of water safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and ultimately save lives.
For more information about Live Life Aberdeenshire's participation in Drowning Prevention Week and the activities planned, please visit
https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/news-folder/dpw/
