World Drowning Prevention Day: New UK Strategy Highlights Importance of Water Safety Education
World Drowning Prevention Day: New UK Strategy Highlights Importance of Water Safety Education
A new UK Drowning Prevention Strategy has been launched ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, reinforcing the importance of education, awareness and practical safety skills to help prevent accidental drownings.
Published by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), the strategy is supported by more than 130 organisations and is accompanied by dedicated strategies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Together, they aim to create a future where everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water safely.
The launch comes as concerns continue about the number of lives lost to accidental drowning, particularly among children, teenagers and young adults. Data from the Water Incident Database (WAID) shows that 26 per cent of accidental drowning deaths between 2020 and 2024 involved people aged 10 to 29.
With warm weather and school holidays encouraging more people to spend time near water, water safety experts are reminding everyone that rivers, lakes and reservoirs can present hidden dangers, even on the hottest days.
Learn how to 'Find Your Float'
One of the key messages being promoted around World Drowning Prevention Day is the importance of learning how to Float to Live if you unexpectedly enter the water.
If you find yourself in difficulty in the water:
- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
- Don't worry if your legs sink – everyone floats differently
- Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety
Practising these skills in a safe, supervised environment, such as a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach, can help build confidence and save lives.
Teachers, youth leaders, parents and carers all have an important role to play in helping children and young people stay safe around water.
As we mark World Drowning Prevention Day, take time to explore StayWise's free water safety resources and start a conversation about the risks of open water, how to spot danger and what to do in an emergency. Whether in the classroom, at home or in community groups, these simple discussions could help save a life.
Take a moment this summer to explore our water safety resources and help spread the message: enjoy the water, but always respect it.