Accidental drowning is often thought to be a predominantly coastal problem, however new data published today by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) reveals that the majority (57%) of accidental drowning deaths in 2025 occurred at inland locations such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals, quarry lakes and lochs. This continues an established trend in UK drowning data, with inland locations consistently accounting for more than half of all accidental drowning deaths since 2019.

We know that periods of hot weather often correlate with a rise in accidental drownings, as increasing numbers of people visit both inland waterways and the coast to enjoy recreational activities or to cool off. The 2025 data support this trend, with August accounting for the most accidental water-related fatalities (31 deaths), followed by June and July (each accounting for 27 deaths).

Many inland waters stay dangerously cold all year round in the UK, remaining at 16°C or below even in summer, the temperature at which water is considered hazardous for cold water shock. Cold water shock is the body’s involuntary response to sudden immersion in cold water. It causes gasping, panic and loss of swimming ability, all of which can tragically lead to drowning. It also causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can result in a heart attack, even if the person is fit and healthy.

With more periods of hot weather and heatwaves forecast for the coming summer months, the NWSF is reminding everyone to enjoy the water safely at both inland waters and the coast by being aware of the risks, and by knowing how to help themselves and others in an emergency. 

Professor Mike Tipton, Chair of the NWSF and leading expert in water safety and cold shock, said:

“These data mean thousands of years of life were again tragically lost in 2025. We are urging people to respect the water and to take actions to keep themselves safe – stick to supervised locations with lifeguards present, think before entering the water and enter the water slowly to reduce the risk of cold shock. If you do find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back until you feel calm and either wait for rescue or swim to safety if you can.”

Phone Float Throw is a new public-facing water safety campaign from the NWSF and Respect The Water. It provides bystanders witnessing a someone struggling in the water with practical instructions for how to help, without putting themselves in danger:

• Phone 999 to get help
• Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

When we see someone in trouble in the water, or instinct can often be to jump in and attempt to rescue them, but entering the water yourself is dangerous and can put you at risk of drowning too. By remembering Phone Float Throw, bystanders can keep themselves out of danger and still provide lifesaving help to the person in the water.

Sadly, 202 people accidentally died in water-related fatalities in 2025. Additionally, there are a further 201 cases where the cause is still unknown, meaning the number of accidental fatalities is likely to increase as additional information becomes available from coroners.

The 2025 Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the NWSF, shows us that:

• August was the month with the highest number of accidental water-related fatalities in the UK
• Inland waterways, such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries are the leading locations for accidental drowning, accounting for 57% of deaths
• Males continue to be over-represented with 85% of accidental fatalities
• Males aged 60 to 69 the most affected group, however 43% of all accidental water-related fatalities were below the age of 40.
• Recreational activities (such as adventure sports, angling, boating and sailing) accounted for 63% of accidental fatalities
• Everyday activities like walking and running accounted for 32% of accidental fatalities, meaning many of those who lost their lives were not intending to enter the water
• Of the 202 confirmed accidental fatalities, 150 were in England, 39 in Scotland, 12 in Wales, and 1 was in Northern Ireland.

To view and download the WAID 2025 report, visit the NWSF website. For more information about Phone Float Throw and other water safety campaigns, visit respectthewater.com.