16/06/2026
๐๐ Drowning Prevention Week 2026 ๐๐
A national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of water safety and helping to prevent accidental drowning, As the weather gets warmer, more people are spending time at beaches, rivers, lakes, canals, and swimming pools. While being around water can be enjoyable and beneficial for our wellbeing, it's important to remember that water can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen quickly. Take a few simple precautions which make a difference:
๐ Stop and Think โ Take a moment to assess the area, identify any potential hazards, and make a safe plan before entering or going near the water.
๐ Stay Together โ Always supervise children closely around water and avoid swimming or visiting open water locations alone.
๐ Float โ If you unexpectedly find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to float on your back, keep your airway clear, and try to control your breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass.
๐ Call 999 โ If you see someone in trouble, call for help immediately. Never put yourself at risk by entering the water. Instead, encourage the person to float and, if possible, throw something that floats to help them stay above water.
๐จ Choose bright, highly visible swimwear โ orange, pink, yellow, and bright green swimwear can be much easier to spot in and around water than blue, grey, black, or white. While bright colours are not a substitute for supervision, they can help parents, carers, lifeguards, and other swimmers keep sight of children more easily in busy pools and open water environments.
Many drowning incidents are preventable through education, awareness, and preparation. Whether you're heading to the coast, spending time by a river, or enjoying a day at the local pool, understanding basic water safety skills could save a life.
Please take a few minutes this week to talk with your family, friends, colleagues, and children about staying safe around water. By sharing these important messages, we can all help reduce the number of accidental drownings and ensure everyone returns home safely.
Together, let's make water safety everyone's responsibility and enjoy the water safely this summer. โ๏ธ๐