National Water Safety Forum

12/08/2026

To mark World Drowning Prevention Day and the launch of the new UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030 on 25 July, we asked our partners from across the water safety sector to support the campaign.

From purposely organised events and demonstrations to discounted swims and water safety skills lessons, we were proud to see the many ways people got behind this year's campaign.

A huge thank you to everyone you supported Find Your Float for 2026 and helped raise awareness of essential lifesaving messages.

Image credits:

1 - Southbourne Surf Life Saving Club
2 - Portsmouth University
3 - England Strategy Launch, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
4 - Wales Strategy Launch, Water Safety Wales
5 - Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
6 - NWSF Chair Professor Mike Tipton

25/07/2026

Today, on World Drowning Prevention Day, we are launching the new UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030, as well as four new national strategies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This publication marks a new future for drowning prevention in the UK. It is backed by more than 130 organisations across the country, including national charities, search and rescue organisations, water safety practitioners, academic experts, educators, and families who have experienced personal loss to drowning.

As recent weeks have tragically revealed, accidental drowning is a major public health issue. The new UK and national strategies will work in conjunction to provide practical, data-driven actions to reduce drowning, helping us to build a future in which everyone in the UK can be safe while in, on or around the water.

Find out more: https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/strategy

02/07/2026

Support the Find Your Float campaign for World Drowning Prevention Day!

For a second year, we're asking our partners to support the Find Your Float campaign, encouraging as many people as possible to learn and practice the lifesaving skill of floating on 25 July.

How to get involved:

- Host a Find Your Float event between 20 and 25 July 🌊
- Include a float tutorial or demo in existing water safety events or activities 🏊
- Create a “how to float” video to share on social media 📽️
- Share the campaign messages on your channels and with your networks 📣

We've created a campaign toolkit to help you plan your Find Your Float activities, including posters, social media graphics, guidance on how to create a "how to float" video, and more. Download free resources from the respectthewater.com.

Don't forget to let us know what you have planned by emailing [email protected].

30/06/2026

30/06/2026

If you saw someone in trouble in the water, would you know what to do?

If we see someone in trouble in the water, our instinct can often be to jump in to try and save them. But entering the water yourself is dangerous, and can put you at risk of drowning too.

Instead, if you see someone in trouble, remember Phone Float Throw:

Phone 999 to get help 🤳
Tell them to stay calm and float on their back 😮‍💨
Throw them rescue equipment to help them float until the emergency services arrive 🛟

Share this message with your family and friends - it could save their life.

26/06/2026

A great article from BBC News featuring advice from the National Water Safety Forum and some of our partners on how to enjoy the water safely during heatwaves (and some tips for keeping cool that don't involve a dip in open water).

Read on for advice on how to find a lifeguarded beach or swimming spot, what to do if you get caught in a rip current, how to limit the risk of cold water shock, and more.

Pick designated swimming spots, learn about riptides and don't use inflatables at the beach, experts say.

19/06/2026

Whether you're headed for a swim, taking part in water-based adventure sports, or taking a leisurely walk, jog or bike ride near water, knowing what to do in an emergency is essential.

If you find yourself in trouble in the water - either after entering the water deliberately or if you fall in accidentally - :

- Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
- Relax and try to breathe normally
- Move your hands and legs to help you float
- Don't worry if your legs sink - everybody floats differently
- Once your breathing is under control, shout for help or swim to safety

You can find your float by practising this skill at a supervised location like a swimming pool or a lifeguarded beach.

Share the steps on how to float with your friends, family and colleagues - knowing this simple skill could save your life.

15/06/2026

Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK's Drowning Prevention Week raises awareness of vital water safety skills and advice among children and young people.

Whether you're a teacher, water safety practitioner, club, business, parent or carer, this is a great opportunity to have a conversation about water safety with the young people in your life.

Drowning Prevention Week 2026 is running until 20th June - find out how to support the campaign and download free resources here: https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/drowning-prevention-week-campaign

It’s here! Today marks the first day of Drowning Prevention Week 2026!

We are equipping children and young people with essential water safety and lifesaving skills ahead of the summer holidays.

Through education and awareness, we are working towards communities free from drowning. But to achieve this, we need your help.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, school, club, business, or organisation, get involved, join us to spread vital water safety messages this week.

Drowning is preventable, and together, we can save lives. 🛟

Start exploring Drowning Prevention Week and download our FREE resources now: www.rlss.org.uk/dpw

22/05/2026

The air temperature is set to soar this weekend but the water is still very cold.

Both the sea and inland waters like lakes, reservoirs, canals, rivers and lochs can remain below 16°C all year round in the UK, even in summer - at these temperatures, water is considered dangerous for cold water shock.

Cold water shock is an involuntary response that can occur when you are suddenly immersed in cold water, whether you’ve fallen in accidentally or intentionally jumped in. It causes panic, gasping for breath and loss of swimming ability, which can sadly lead to drowning. It also causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which in some cases can lead to a heart attack.

Whether you’re swimming in the sea, a lake or a natural pool, always enter the water gradually – this gives your body time to adjust to the cold, reducing the chance of experiencing cold water shock. You should also wear a wetsuit and take a float and a whistle to increase your chances of coping in cold water.

For more information about staying safe in and near the water, search “cold water shock” on the RoSPA website.

08/04/2026

Someone in trouble in the water? Remember Phone Float Throw - it could save their life.

Phone 999 to get help
Tell them to stay calm and float on their back
Throw them rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

For more lifesaving advice, search "Respect The Water" 🛟