Water safety and drowning
Every year, in the UK, around 400 people die from drowning as a result of an accident in or around water.
There are thousands of individuals who survive drowning events but who are left with severe, and often permanent, life-changing injuries. Our search, rescue and emergency services respond to over 100,000 water-related rescue, and flood events annually. All of these place huge burdens on families, individuals and society.
Many of these deaths are as a result of simple everyday mistakes, such as a trip or fall into water, or misjudgments such as underestimating the effect of swimming in cold open water unprepared can have. Others result from inherently risky activities including jumping/tombstoning from a great height into water.
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National Water Safety Conference
RoSPA is proud to host the National Water Safety Conference on Tuesday, October 06, 2026 in Birmingham. Every year, around 400 people drown in the UK, with a further 200 taking their own lives in our waters. Our conference provides a vital platform for water safety leaders, practitioners, educators, and academics to come together, share knowledge, and shape the future of drowning prevention. We're calling for abstract submissions in the first instance, with delegate bookings available soon. To find out more click the button below.
Angling
Read our tips on how to stay safe when you're out fishing.
Coastal tides
The UK has some of the biggest tidal ranges in the world. Find out how to not to get caught out by the tide
Cold water shock
Cold water shock is a key factor in many water-related deaths in the UK. Find out more about cold water shock is and what to do if you’re affected by it.
Diving
Find out about how to dive safely with our advice
Float to live
If you find yourself struggling in the water, would you know what to do?
Hot tub
Who doesn't love a relaxing dip in a hot tub? But hot tubs do come with risks.
Inflatables
The risk with inflatables and how to use them safely.
Kayaking and canoeing
What are the dangers and how to stay safe.
Open water swimming
Open water swimming can be dangerous, so it’s vital to arm yourself with the right knowledge to stay safe.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
How to go paddleboarding safely and advice for buying a second-hand paddleboard.
Pond safety
Ponds are lovely to look at and great for wildlife. But sadly, they pose a serious risk to young children.
Staying safe on holiday
Holidays are meant to be a break from everyday stress and demands, aren’t they? So the last thing you need is to be worrying about things going wrong, read our top tips for holiday safety
Summer water safety
The summer months are the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and lochs.
Tombstoning
As long as there’s been water, there’s been people wanting to jump into it.
Water safety code
The Water Safety Code gives you essential and easy-to-remember information about how to stay safe in or near water.
Water safety flags
Water safety signs and flags could save your life, so it's vital to take the time to learn what they're telling you to do - or not do!
Water safety signs
Find out about the three main types of water safety signs when you are around water.
Winter water safety
Icy ponds, lakes and rivers can be stunningly beautiful, but frozen wateris unpredictable,too. Read our top tips for staying safe.