rospa-logo
Basket
Sub Total: VAT Total
Checkout

Local authority approaches to water safety

Local water safety policy and interventions are vital for drowning prevention. To better understand the responsibility for water safety at a local level across the UK, RoSPA has conducted a number of research projects into how local authorities approach water safety.

The purpose of this research is to:

  1. To understand the responsibility for water safety, current policy arrangements and commitments that have been made towards managing water safety
  2. To understand shared approaches and barriers to the implementation of water safety work
  3. To identify a clear understanding of the strategic national direction (as set by individual nations) and how this relates to local government.

England 

In 2026, RoSPA will publish the first full insights into the current management of water safety locally across England. The full report will be published soon. 

Scotland

 RoSPA conducted a ten-year comparative analysis of local authority approaches to Water Safety in Scotland from 2013 to 2023. Overall, the 2023 data showed an improved picture of water safety in Scotland, with many of Scotland’s local authorities addressing water safety, whilst interagency working, responsibility and good practise have all become more consistent across Scotland.

Wales

RoSPA published the first full insights into local authority approaches to drowning prevention in Wales in 2025. The research shows that whilst water safety is important to nearly all local authorities within Wales, few have a water safety policy or are working with other agencies to promote water safety.