Water Safety Facts
Important & Essential Water Safety Facts
Drowning can happen in as little as 5cm (2 inches) of water. Always keep young children within arm’s reach.
ALCOHOL & DRUGS – The involvement is significant: one statistic says about 73 people per year die due to a substance-related drowning (≈ 29% of accidental drownings).
WATER SAFETY CODE – Introduced by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the Water Safety Code helps people stay safe around water. In the UK there are around 200–250 accidental drowning deaths each year. Key advice includes: Stop and think, Stay together, Call 999/112 in an emergency, and Float if you fall in. Whenever possible, swim where there is a lifeguard and take care near the edge of pools or open water.
EVENT BENEFITS – Even confident swimmers can get into difficulty due to cramp, fatigue, medical issues or alcohol. Studies show that around half of accidental drownings involve people who intended to swim. Add children, inflatables, food and drink, and supervision becomes critical. A qualified lifeguard provides constant poolside supervision and emergency response, allowing you to relax and enjoy your event without the worry.
Drowning remains a major preventable risk in the UK
In 2024, 193 people died in accidental drownings across the UK — every one of these deaths was preventable with proper supervision and safety measures.
Most drownings happen away from the coast
61% of UK drownings occur in inland waters, including pools, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs — environments where professional lifeguards make the greatest impact.
Men are significantly more at risk
84% of UK drowning victims are male, highlighting a clear and consistent risk pattern identified in national water safety data.
Child drownings are strongly linked to supervision
89% of child drownings occur without adult supervision, reinforcing the importance of constant vigilance around water.
Hot weather dramatically increases danger
On days when temperatures exceed 25°C, the risk of drowning is three times higher than average.
Drowning often happens unexpectedly
37% of drowning victims never intended to enter the water, with incidents occurring during everyday activities near water.
The UK experiences a drowning every two days
On average, one person drowns in the UK every 1.9 days, making drowning one of the country’s most persistent preventable causes of death.
Drowning is a global public health issue
Worldwide, over 300,000 people drown each year, making it one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths globally.
Prevention works
Thanks to improved water safety measures and professional lifeguard services, UK drowning rates have fallen by 38% since 2000, proving that supervision and education save lives.
Young adults face elevated risk
Men aged 15–24 are up to 11 times more likely to drown than females of the same age group, making young adults one of the highest-risk demographics.
Alcohol significantly increases danger
For intoxicated individuals, drowning risk increases by 20% for every 1°C rise in temperature, combining heat and alcohol into a particularly dangerous risk factor.
Supervision and prevention deliver real results
Investment in water safety measures — including supervision, training, and risk assessment — delivers an estimated £9 return for every £1 spent, while saving lives and reducing long-term harm.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your requirements, ask any questions, or find out how we can help. We’re always happy to provide clear advice and support tailored to your needs.