As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, many of us – especially children and young people – are drawn to water for fun, relaxation, and relief from the heat. But with this seasonal shift comes a serious and growing concern: water safety.
Drowning Prevention Week, running from 14th to 21st June 2025, is a vital campaign aimed at raising awareness and equipping people of all ages with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.
Why It Matters
Recent statistics are sobering:
- 46% increase in accidental drowning fatalities among children compared to the five-year average.
- 41 children lost their lives last year
- 83% of those fatalities were boys.
- Nearly half of all drownings occur during June, July, and August.
The Risks Are Real
Even strong swimmers can find themselves in trouble in open water. Cold water shock, hidden currents, and unexpected underwater hazards are just a few of the dangers that aren’t always obvious from the surface.
Young people may also feel pressure to take risks – jumping into rivers, swimming in quarries, or trying to impress peers – all of which can quickly turn deadly.
Key water safety messages
- Local waterways: Waterways can have strong currents, hidden hazards, polluted water, and cold water shock. Always be aware of these risks.
- Stay SAFE – STAY AWAY FROM the EDGE
- Know and share the Water Safety Code:
- STOP & THINK – Always be aware of potential dangers in the water, read warning signs, and understand what they mean.
- STAY TOGETHER – Never swim alone.
- FLOAT – If you fall in, float or swim on your back, stay calm, and breathe regularly.
- CALL 999 – in an emergency call 99 for help.
- In an emergency, call 999.
- What3Words: If you see someone in trouble by the water, call 999 immediately and tell them the what3words address to help emergency services know exactly where to send help. The app is free to use and can be accessed on both Android and Apple devices.
- Do not be peer pressured into swimming where you aren’t comfortable, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Don’t swim alone or in unsupervised areas.
Final Word
Drowning is fast, silent, and tragically preventable. By spreading awareness and providing children and young people with the tools to assess and manage risks, we can help stop these tragedies before they happen.
Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay safe.