Study shows lifejackets could have prevented 180 water deathsÂ

According to new data, about 180 people died because they weren't wearing a lifejacket in UK waters in the last decade.

A study investigating how many of the 1,000-plus deaths recorded in British waters from 2007-2016 were avoidable, was carried out by international expert in drowning physiology, Professor Mike Tipton, and Dr Gemma Milligan, of the University of Portsmouth.

It was done as part of a collaborative project run by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Anglers aged 41-50 are the most likely group to drown, according to the figures in the 10-year period studied, followed by kayakers and canoeists. About 4.2 million people, predominately men, are regular anglers in British waters.

Professor Tipton said: '˜It is a reflection of our lack of respect for, and understanding of, water safety, and the great danger represented by water, that so many of us work and play on the water without taking the simple step of wearing a lifejacket.

'˜It's a tragedy that not wearing a lifejacket can lead to a death that was easily avoidable.'

Lifejackets help save lives because they keep a person afloat, keeping their airway clear of water.