As families prepare to spend more time outdoors this summer, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is backing a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of drowning incidents across the UK.
The service is supporting Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, which runs from 13 to 20 June and seeks to educate children, parents, carers and teachers about staying safe in and around water.
The annual campaign comes as new figures highlight the continued dangers posed by rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs and coastal waters. According to RLSS UK, 3,615 people have drowned across the UK and Ireland over the past five years.
This year’s campaign is placing a particular focus on teenagers aged 13 to 17 after recent data showed a significant rise in drowning deaths among that age group. The charity says fatalities involving teenagers increased by 67 per cent between 2020-2022 and 2023-2025.
Water safety experts are encouraging families not to assume that being able to swim alone is enough to stay safe. Instead, they are highlighting the importance of understanding the Water Safety Code, which includes stopping to assess potential dangers before entering the water, staying with others and knowing how to respond in an emergency.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with open water, particularly during warmer weather when more people head to beaches, rivers and lakes to cool off.
Ashley Jones said the organisation wants to ensure children and young people have access to potentially life-saving information before the school summer holidays begin.
He said: “We urge everyone to use RLSS UK’s free, accessible water safety resources to educate children and teens with critical information this June, to make sure everyone has a safe summer.
“Whilst a foundation of water safety will be included in England’s school curriculum from September, this vital information needs to be taught now, ahead of the summer period, and across the entire UK and Ireland to prevent tragedies.”
The charity is also campaigning for wider measures to help reduce drowning incidents, including increased access to lifeguards, improved bystander training and stronger national water safety policies.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging schools, youth groups, parents and community organisations across Wiltshire and Dorset to make use of the free resources available through the campaign.
Vikki Thomas said the service was proud to support the initiative.
She said: “We are proud to support the RLSS UK’s campaign and encourage everyone to use and share their lesson plans, resources and guidance during Drowning Prevention Week and beyond.”
Fire crews regularly attend water-related incidents across the region and are urging residents to familiarise themselves with safety advice before visiting waterways during the summer months.
Free educational materials, lesson plans and guidance for children, parents, carers and educators are available from the RLSS UK website throughout Drowning Prevention Week and beyond.
Photo Caption: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Drowning Prevention Week to help families stay safe around water this summer.
