Don't Drink and Drown

Don’t Drink and Drown is the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s national campaign focused on reducing the number of substance-related drownings across the UK and Ireland.

The Don't Drink and Drown campaign encourages individuals to take responsibility for their friends when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, helping them to avoid dangerous routes by water and return home safely.

46% of accidental drownings in those ages 18-25 involve alcohol and/or drugs*. It is critical to target this age group as:

3 in 4 young adult drinkers think it is okay to drink alcohol and get into the water.**
In the last year, young adult drinkers are 3x more likely to have been swimming or have entered the water after drinking alcohol, when compared to older adults.**

*Source: WAID (2018-2023)
**Source: One Poll (2024), a UK nationally representative survey of adults aged 18+

Learn more about how to stay safe around water:

Follow the Water Safety Code

#BeAMate and Save the Dates for 2026:

21-27 September 2026
7-12 December 2026

Key messaging shared during Don't Drink and Drown campaigns:

Would you let your friend walk alone down here? Image shows an underground tunnel with limit light. #BeAMate Dont Drink and Drown

Join the campaign and share this vital messaging by downloading the Don't Drink and Drown resources:

Download Don't Drink and Drown resources

Have you been affected by a child drowning?

Child Bereavement UK offers free, confidential bereavement support for individuals, couples, children, young people, and families, by telephone, video or instant messenger, wherever you live in the UK. They also offer face-to-face support from several locations. To find out more, or access their services visit their website via the link below.