An international task force of 18 experts from 12 countries convened at Portsmouth University in May to issue clear guidelines on ways to reduce death by drowning for anyone thinking of going on the water.

The guidelines are:

· Learn swimming and water safety survival skills

· Always swim with others

· Obey all safety signs and warning flags

· Never go in the water after drinking alcohol

· Know how and when to use a life jacket

· Swim in areas with lifeguards

· Know the water and weather conditions before getting in the water

· Always enter shallow and unknown water feet first