England's Drowning Prevention Strategy

Towards zero drownings: building a future where everyone in England can be safe in, on and around the water

England’s relationship with water is shaped by extensive coastline, busy beaches and a wide network of rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, harbours, estuaries and open water sites. These environments are closely connected, with coastal, inland and estuarine waters overlapping through tidal rivers, ports, harbours, floodplains, canals and waterside communities.

These places provide major benefits for health, recreation, sport, work and community life. However, drowning is not limited to specific environments or activities involving water. It can occur in a wide range of situations, including during everyday, unexpected encounters with water, where risks may be underestimated.

In England, 2,306 people died in water-related fatalities between 2019 and 2023. At least 5,464.3 years of life are lost each year to accidental drowning, with an estimated societal cost of about £327,858,000 annually. These impacts are unevenly distributed, with younger people bearing a disproportionate burden, leading to a significant loss of human potential.

England's Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030

Informed by the principles of the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030 and building on global momentum to prevent drowning, England’s first ever Drowning Prevention Strategy is designed to turn the ambition of "towards zero drownings" into practical action. It aims to strengthen collaboration, improve consistency and focus effort where it can have the greatest impact, supporting those with responsibility for managing water-related risk.

To achieve our vision, Water Safety England will work collaboratively with members and non-members to
focus on the following aims. Each aim is supported by objectives and the main actions we expect to take, with delivery led by one of Water Safety England's functional Working Groups: Communications and Campaigns; Evidence, Data and Insight; and Education and Technical.

These aims are not listed in priority order:

• Strengthen data, evidence and insights to drive targeted action, measurable impact and continuous improvement in drowning prevention
• Ensure people affected by drowning are listened to, supported and able to meaningfully shape future prevention
• Create equitable and inclusive opportunities for adults, children and young people to learn water safety knowledge, swimming and safe rescue skills
• Educate people on how to stay safe in, on and around water through targeted awareness- and knowledge-building interventions
• Advocate for stronger, clearer legal responsibilities and support proactive management of water related risks
• Understand and respond to how climate change, extreme weather, changing water use and new technology are influencing drowning risk
• Strengthen high-level leadership, influence and advocacy for drowning prevention
• Support efforts to reduce water-related suicide.

Read England's Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030

England's Drowning Prevention Strategy - Annex 1 Data Tables