Drowning Prevention Week – Let’s Help Save Lives This Summer
This week is Drowning Prevention Week, one of the largest summer water safety campaigns across the UK and Ireland.
Each year, over 300 lives are tragically lost to drowning across the UK and Ireland. No person should drown and with the right water safety education accidental drownings are preventable.
Drowning Prevention Week is deliberately timed ahead of the school summer holidays when children spend more time outdoors and when vital water safety skills can help keep children safe. We encourage schools to include a focus on water safety at some point during the week, whether though a classroom discussion, assembly or themed activity- helping to raise awareness.
Each day this week, Cumberland Council are sharing information via their 5 Minute Briefing on this very important topic.
Why Drowning Prevention Week Is So Important
For many young people, Drowning Prevention Week is their only chance to learn about water safety. As young people spend more time outdoors and near water during the warmer months, now is the time to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe.
With the right information and precautions, we can help prevent accidental drownings. It starts with awareness and that’s where you can make a real impact.
Key Water Safety Messages
💧 Respect the water – All water has risks, from cold temperatures, hidden currents and diseases within the water.
🏊 Education saves lives – Teaching swimming and safety skills can prevent accidents.
👀 Supervision is essential – Always keep a close eye on young people near water.
⚠️ Beware of open water – Lakes and rivers can hide serious dangers.
How You Can Get Involved
- Educate yourself and your children/young people
Share water safety tips with your young people. The Royal Life Saving Society and other organisations provide free resources and videos.
👉 Download free printable water safety resources to use in your class
👉Show Royal Life Saving Society’s short Water Safety Code cartoon in your assemblies
👉Show the Drowning Prevention Week Cartoon with your classes
- Find a leisure centre near you which supports Drowning Prevention Week
Leisure operators across the UK and Ireland support Drowning Prevention Week each year by promoting water safety through swimming lessons, social media, display boards, and events.
👉 Find participating leisure centres here
- Participate in Drowning Prevention Week non-uniform day on Friday 20th June
Royal lifesaving society are inviting schools to swap their uniforms for red and yellow outfits to mimic the iconic colours of lifeguard uniforms. This vibrant display of colours will not only raise awareness about our water safety campaign but also help us gather vital funds to support the life-saving charity.
👉Find out more on how to get involved here.
If you’d like to find out more, visit the official Drowning Prevention Week website here.
You’ll also find helpful resources attached to educate yourself in order to help your young people.
Let’s work together to make this summer safe for everyone. 🌞