Local Authority Approaches to Managing Water Safety in England
In 2026, RoSPA and Water Safety England completed research providing the first full insights into the current management of water safety in England.
A sample of Local authorities were surveyed to understand how they plan for and deliver drowning prevention work, focusing on responsibility for water safety and existing water safety policies.
The completed research shows that around half of respondents (49 per cent) have a designated person or department for water safety. However, only 27 per cent of local authorities currently have a water safety policy in place, similar to previous findings, though it is encouraging that a further 9 per cent are in the process of developing one.
