National Water Safety Conference 2026 programme announced: Key insights for drowning prevention professionals

Professionals working in water safety, public health, education and risk management can now view the programme for the National Water Safety Conference 2026, taking place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at the Rep Theatre in Birmingham.

Hosted by RoSPA, the conference, From Strategy to Prevention: Shaping the Future of Drowning Prevention in the UK, will bring together experts and practitioners to explore the latest developments in drowning prevention, share evidence-based approaches and discuss the challenges shaping water safety policy and practice.

Effective drowning prevention relies on strong collaboration across organisations, sectors and disciplines. The National Water Safety Conference provides an opportunity for professionals to exchange knowledge, examine emerging risks and learn from successful interventions being delivered across the UK.

The event will welcome delegates from across the water safety sector, creating a platform for discussion around current priorities and future opportunities to reduce water-related fatalities and incidents.

Key themes in the 2026 programme

This year's programme features expert speakers and practical sessions focused on several important areas of water safety, including:

• Evidence and data informing drowning prevention approaches
• Education and improving water competency
• Communication public engagement strategies
• Policy, collaboration and managing risks around water.

Hear more about the event from RoSPA’s Head of Policy and Secretariat of the National Water Safety Forum, Carlene McAvoy, in this video: