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:
- To understand the responsibility for water safety, current policy arrangements and commitments that have been made towards managing water safety
- To understand shared approaches and barriers to the implementation of water safety work
- 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 published the first full insights into the current management of water safety locally across England. The report found that whilst many local authorities are involved in water safety and recognise the importance of the topic, many do not have specific policy-level commitments on the issue. The report proposes a number of recommendations to help local authorities in England strengthen their approach to water safety and prioritise the importance of drowning prevention.
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.