Water Safety England is a network of organisations and individuals working together to advance drowning prevention in England. Comprised of some of the country's leading voices in drowning prevention, we aim to work together to provide a consistent approach to water safety education, communication and data collection, with the aim of building an England in which everyone is safe from accidental drowning.
Strategy
Launched on the 25 July 2026, the first Water Safety England Drowning Prevention Strategy is aligned to the NWSF’s UK-wide approach, England’s strategy is designed to turn the ambition of "towards zero drownings" into practical action. It aims to strengthening collaboration, improve consistency and focus effort where it can have the greatest impact, supporting those with responsibility for managing water-related risk. Aims include improving access to water safety education; understanding how climate change and extreme weather impact drowning risks; strengthening data, evidence and insight; and working with and supporting the many families and communities affected by drowning.
You can read the strategy here.
Water Safety England's aims and principles are aligned with the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-30.
Guidance
Water Safety England provides guidance for practitioners and those who have an interest supporting water safety and education, including how to set up a Water Safety Partnership. We also provide guidance for members of the public, helping them to enjoy time on, in or near the water safely.
Governance
The work of Water Safety England is overseen by the Steering Group who meet quarterly to discuss progress on projects, governance, strategy and any emerging issues.
It includes the following organisations:
- Canal and River Trust
- Leeds Trinity University
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- National Fire Chiefs Council
- Portsmouth University
- Royal Life Saving Society UK
- Royal National Lifeboat Institution
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
- Surf Life Saving GB
- Swim England
You can see the Terms of Reference here.
Under the Steering Group, there are three working groups that work collaboratively to deliver the aims and objectives of Water Safety England. Membership of these groups consists of practitioners, experts and specialists from across the water safety sector.
- Communications and Campaigns
- Evidence, Insight and Data
- Evidence, Technical and Engagement
Contact Water Safety England
If you need further information about Water Safety England, please email info@watersafetyengland.org.uk.
Members of Water Safety England can access our members area for meeting minutes, project actions and more.