26/08/2026
Water Safety
An average of 328 people in the UK and Ireland lose their lives to accidental drowning every year, and many more have accidents in and around water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has produced the Water Safety Code to help keep you safe this summer, follow the four simple steps:
Stop and Think
Wear bright colours, check for danger and follow safety signs.
Stay together
Never swim alone, keep young children in arm’s reach, tell someone where you’re going.
In an emergency, call 999
Call 999, don't enter the water yourself, instead: Phone. Float. Throw
Phone 999
Throw something to them that floats
Encourage them to Float to Live
Float to Live
Tilt your head back – Keep your airway clear and your ears under the water
Relax and breathe – Fight the urge to panic, try to get your breathing under control
Spread your limbs – Extend your arms and legs to stabilise yourself in the water
Scull if needed: Gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
Wait for help – It is normal if your legs sink (everyone floats differently)
Once your breathing is steady, signal for help or swim to safety
There are lots of resources, posters, information and ways to get involved in spreading water safety awareness at
RLSS UK aims to ensure that everyone has the know-how to stay safe whether they are spending time in, on or around water.