“Respect the water” -; That’s the message from Julie Elliott MP during this year’s Drowning Prevention Week which takes place between 18 and 26 June. 

Earlier this month, Julie helped promote water safety and Drowning Prevention Week by visiting Sunderland Aquatic Centre with fellow Sunderland MPs Sharon Hodgson and Bridget Phillipson. 

Julie said:

“Fifteen people have drowned in Sunderland since 2010 and others have survived drowning but have suffered life changing injuries.  We are very lucky to have a beautiful coastline and riverside right on our doorstep, however, we must always respect the water because it can and does kill people”. 

Please click here to watch a safety video produced by Sunderland City Council which features friends of Chloe Fowler and Tonibeth Purvis, who tragically drowned in the River Wear three years ago this summer.