RLSS UK proudly supports World Drowning Prevention Day 2024

In April 2021, the United Nations adopted the historic first Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, recognising the scale of the problem, calling for coordinated action to prevent drowning and marking 25 July as World Drowning Prevention Day.

“Anyone can drown, but it can almost always be prevented. Yet every year nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning, and almost 82,000 of them are children aged 1 to 14 years.”

World Health Organisation

An average of 307 UK and Irish Citizens lose their life to accidental drowning EVERY YEAR and many more have non-fatal experiences, sometimes suffering life-changing injuries. World Drowning Prevention Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of drowning prevention and to reduce preventable deaths.

Seconds can save a life.

What leads to drowning can often happen in just a few seconds; such as briefly leaving a small child alone by a pond or pool on a sunny afternoon, or deciding it’s too much of a hassle to put on that lifejacket when going out kayaking. So much can happen in a single moment, but with the right awareness and actions, what happens in those seconds can also be changed – for the better.

Get involved! 

• Can you identify all the water dangers in our posts on Facebook, Instagram and X (click here to see if you're right)
• Check out our resources to educate you and your family on how to enjoy water safely
• No child should drown - just £3 enables us to teach a child a water safety lesson. You can donate to help continue our lifesaving work.

Did you correctly identify all the water dangers in our social media posts?

See the answers and our advice below...

1. Beach Scene

Danger: Lack of supervision while a child edges towards the sea. What's more, a red flag is present signifying danger.

Our Advice: Always watch children while near water and keep them within arm's reach. Seconds can save a life.

2. Pool Scene

Danger: Drinking alcohol while in the pool.

Our Advice: Never drink alcohol while near water as it can reduce coordination and impair your judgement and reaction time. Seconds can save a life.

3. Open Water Scene

Danger: Jumping into an area of open water

Our Advice: Do not enter areas of open water unless it's a lifeguarded venue. Even during summer, the water will be very cold which can limit your swimming ability and leave you at risk of cold water shock. Seconds can save a life.

4. Boat Scene

Danger: Person on the water is not wearing a life jacket

Our Advice: Always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid while enjoying time in, on or around water and ensure you have all the right equipment to keep you safe.

5. Beach Flags Scene

Danger: Swimming between the red flags and no lifeguard present.

Our Advice: Choose a lifeguarded venue, know your beach flags and read all signage before entering the water. Seconds can save a life.

Read our top tips to stay safe when spending time in, on, or around water:

Enjoy Water Safely