Get water safety-Wise this summer

Drowning Prevention Week (DPW), led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), returns from 14 to 21 June. It is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest annual water safety campaigns, aimed at families, carers, teachers, and children aged 5 to 15. It serves as a timely reminder to take extra care and stay safe around water. 

As summer approaches and children spend more time outdoors, water safety becomes even more important. We are urging everyone to be especially aware of water dangers during this busy time of year. RLSS UK data shows that 71% of child drownings in the UK occur between May and August, and 84% of open water drownings happen inland, in rivers, lakes, and similar locations. 

Every child deserves to enjoy water safely. With the right education, such as understanding the Water Safety Code, accidental drownings can be prevented. Children are naturally curious and often drawn to water, whether it is a pool, beach, river, lake, or even a garden pond. That is why it is vital for parents and carers to learn about water safety and pass that knowledge on. 

You can make a difference. Start the water safety conversation with your children and help spread the word. By doing so, you will be raising awareness and helping to keep everybody safer. 

Explore the RLSSUK Drowning Prevention Week resources. They are designed to make learning about water safety engaging and accessible for families and children. 

And when you are near water, always respect warning signs and take a moment to read any safety instructions, especially those on throwline signs placed in high-risk riverside areas. 

Find out more about water safety in Elmbridge.