As we head into a summer hopefully full of sun, swimming, and beach holidays, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) continues its mission to reduce drowning incidents and promote safer behaviour around water. Drowning Prevention Week 2026 takes place from 13^th – 20^th June and encourage carers, schools, clubs, leisure operators and water-related businesses to take part and help everyone enjoy water safely.

Sadly, drowning remains one of the most common causes of accidental death among children aged 5–14, with young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at greater risk than their peers. This is why it is important part of our mission to ensure all young people have access to high-quality swimming and water safety education.

Drowning Prevention Week 2026 aims to tackle this issue by providing young people aged 5-17 with important water safety advice and education. The RLSS UK provides free resources, including lesson plans, videos, posters and social media materials, to help organisations spread the message.

Through the Department for Education-funded Inclusion 2028 programme, Youth Sport Trust works alongside Swim England and other partners to improve access to inclusive school swimming and water safety opportunities for children and young people with SEND. The programme supports schools to create safe and enjoyable experiences in and around water, helping more young people develop this life-saving skill.

To support schools, Youth Sport Trust offers a range of free school swimming and water safety resources. These include professional development opportunities for teachers and support staff, guidance on integrating pupils with SEND into swimming lessons, and water safety education materials co-designed with schools and young people.

How can you get involved and spread awareness?

Schools

• Deliver water safety lessons
• Host assemblies or themed activities
• Encourage pupils to share safety messages with their families

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

• Offer discounted or free swimming sessions
• Run lifesaving demonstrations
• Display campaign posters and videos

Clubs and Sports Groups

• Provide safety briefings before water based activities
• Encourage members to complete water safety training
• Share campaign messages on social media

Families

• Talk openly about water risks and safe behaviour
• Practise wearing lifejackets and buoyancy aids
• Supervise children closely around any water, including garden ponds and baths

Local Authorities

• Promote the campaign through community newsletters
• Improve signage at high-risk water sites
• Support local events and training sessions

Access the drowning prevention week resources here: https://www.rlss.org.uk/Listing/Category/drowning-prevention-week-campaign

Water Safety Champions

Through the Department for Education funded Inclusion 2028 grant, we are also promoting water safety awareness through Water Safety Champions. These young champions advocate for safe practice in and around water by delivering activities to their peers under the supervision of school staff. Once the champions have delivered their first activities, schools will be sent a certificate that can be awarded to the champions. 

There are resources available to support schools taking part in Water Safety Champions, with more resources coming over the next 2 years.

If you would like your school to take part in Water Safety Champions, please contact [email protected] for more information.