Tom Daley has teamed up with Malibu for his recent campaign (Image: SWNS)
Olympic diver Tom Daley has utilised his knitting skills for a vital cause, designing a Christmas jumper that warns of the dangers of ‘drinking and diving’.
The jumper is part of a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol-related drowning during the winter months.
Statistics show that more than a quarter of winter drownings involve alcohol, with three-quarters of these incidents occurring in inland waters such as rivers and canals. In most cases, the individuals involved had no intention of entering the water.
Tom Daley, collaborating with Malibu on the Don’t Drink and Dive campaign, stated: “Alcohol-related drowning isn’t just a summer issue; it’s a real problem during the winter months, often overlooked.”
“With more than one in four drownings in winter involving alcohol, it’s crucial to spread the word on this issue and encourage everyone to stay safe near water, particularly as we approach the festive season.”
To raise awareness, Malibu partnered with Tom Daley’s knitwear brand, Made With Love, and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK). Together, they installed festive lifeguard towers at popular drinking spots near water in London, Manchester, and Bristol.
‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ campaign (Image: SWNS)
Decorated lifeguard towers (Image: SWNS)
Lifeguards wore limited-edition festive jumpers designed by Daley to bring attention to the dangers of alcohol-related drownings during the holidays.
Craig van Niekerk, from Malibu, emphasised the importance of their campaign: “The winter edition of our Don’t Drink and Dive campaign is just as vital as the summer campaign.”
He warned that “While people don’t intend to get into the water, accidents happen, particularly when alcohol is involved. The ‘Don’t Drink and Dive’ message is a call for responsible consumption around water.”
Matt Croxall, charity director at RLSS UK, reinforced the sentiment: “Our festive lifeguards are a creative way of bringing to life this incredibly important message.”
He highlighted the dangers with “Research shows that alcohol-related drownings occur year-round, and in winter, inland waterways pose the greatest risk. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons-by keeping everyone safe.”