‘KEEP ‘em peeled for Perry’ - that’s the message from lifesavers as we head towards summer.

The Royal Lifesaving Society has launched the project, featuring their mascot Perry Buoy, to encourage people to be on the look-out for life-saving equipment when they’re out and about.

Fencing, life rings, throw lines, signage – these are just some of the public rescue equipment (PRE) and safety features regularly seen next to bodies of water and waterways right across the UK.

Today, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) want to know... whatever the equipment might be, wherever it might be, what state is it in and is it fit for purpose?

With the Easter holidays already here and the May half-term only a few short weeks away, spring typically sees many of us getting some fresh air and enjoying the great British countryside. This year, RLSS UK would like to hear from people about the PRE they’ve spotted.

Adrian Lole, RLSS UK Technical Director said: “More people die from accidental drowning in the UK than they do from road cycling accidents and house fires* – ensuring the public has ready access to functioning lifesaving equipment, should be a real priority in the UK, where so much of our great outdoors includes being near bodies of water.

“We want to build a comprehensive picture of what equipment is available for the public to use, where it can be found and what state it’s in. This is what ‘keep ‘em peeled’ means.

“Over time, this will help steer our conversations about PRE and water safety with our partners and through future collaborations.

“No-one wants to lose a loved one to the water and as the temperatures start to rise, PRE has a vital role to play in ensuring the numbers of people losing their lives in the water, doesn’t do the same.”

People are asked to email report@rlss.org.uk with details of where they saw the PRE, whether it is fit for purpose and whether something could be added to help save a life there, such as better signage.