Cornwall recorded the highest number of drowning deaths of any UK region over the past five years, the latest figures reveal.
Data shows 80 people drowned in the county during this period, the equivalent of more than one every month, followed by 55 in Devon and 54 in Kent.
The figures from The National Water Safety Forum show men are far more likely to die in the water than women, making up 82 per cent of total fatalities, with young men aged 21 to 25 the most affected age group.
Almost half of all those who drowned had not intended to enter the water, according to the data.
The weird and wild weather which hit Leicestershire in 2020
We look back at the highs and lows of a stormy year
Battling with brollies in Victoria Park during Storm Ciara (Image: Alex Hannam)
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weather logo AS we wind down the last few hours of 2020, the Met Office says this year has been one of extremes with the wettest February on record, the sunniest spring, a heatwave in the summer and a day in October breaking rainfall records. With just a few hours left on the clock, 2020 looks likely to be the third or fourth warmest on record. This makes it clear that the general trend of warming as a consequence of climate change is being seen, not just at a global level, but in our own national temperature records. Not only will 2020 be one of the top five hottest on record for the UK, but also it will be one of the top ten wettest and the top ten sunniest years.
On the same day, nuclear power generated 21.1 per cent of Britain s electricity, while fossil gas provided 14.6 per cent. Wind generated 15.06 gigawatts.
In comparison, on Boxing Day 2019, the wind produced 32.94 per cent of electricity, equating to 10.02 GW of the electricity on the grid.
The previous record was set on 21 August where a touch beyond 50 per cent of electricity was generated.
Storm Bella created havoc over much of the UK with wind speeds reaching up to 100mph
This was due to a number of weather events in August with Storm Ellen hitting the UK from the 19th to 21st.
The news comes as there is a renewed focus on sustainable energy from both experts and the Government.
Mum s haunting last words to teen daughter, 15, tragically swept away by river
Nikki Williams, 15, died while enjoying a day out with her younger brother after she got into trouble playing in the River Rhymney in Cardiff. Her mum has now relived the harrowing day ahead of her daughter s birthday
Nikki was out with her younger brother when the tragedy occurred
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