HM Coastguard has launched their 2006 Don't Drink and Drown safety campaign - calling time on the public who have had too much to drink, and put themselves in danger along the UK's cliffs, coastlines and beaches.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has designed and produced thousands of 'Don't Drink and Drown' beer mats for use in waterside bars and pubs throughout the UK to warn people that drinking alcohol and then participating in sailing, swimming, or any other waterborne activities can be a recipe for disaster. Coastguards will shortly be distributing these in waterside bars in readiness for the summer season.
The beer mats display various hard-hitting images which the MCA believe will make drinkers take on the message, and stay clear of the water after drinking alcohol this summer.
Chief coastguard, Peter Dymond, said: "We are trying to get the message across to anyone who wants to let their hair down during the summer that the warm evenings coupled with excessive drinking can lead to serious accidents or death.
"It can be very hard for the emergency services to have to tell a family that their son or daughter has been seriously injured or worse when we would rather they were enjoying a lovely holiday and going home safely.
"Our advice is to mix spirits and water only in a glass! Excessive alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times which can lead to tragic and often fatal accidents. Therefore, we are pleased to be launching this important safety drive to raise awareness in order to lessen the potential for alcohol related accidents on the coast and at sea."