RLSS UK urges the sector to lead life-saving efforts for Drowning Prevention Week 2026
As the UK prepares for another busy summer around water, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is calling on leisure operators to get involved in this year’s Drowning Prevention Week, running from 13-20 June 2026.
Each year, more than 1,000 leisure operators and swimming pools across the UK and Ireland take part in RLSS UK’s flagship national water safety campaign, helping to raise awareness ahead of the summer holidays, historically the period with the highest number of drowning fatalities, according to data from the UK Water Incident Database (WaID).
With a vision to create communities free from drowning, the campaign engages the public, educates young people, and shares expert guidance on how to stay safe in, on and around water. In 2025 alone, more than 2.3 million children were reached, highlighting the initiative’s scale and impact.
This year’s campaign focuses on the Water Safety Code, which is designed to help people make safer decisions. By encouraging individuals to stop and think, stay together, float if they fall in, and call for help, RLSS UK aims to equip children and their carers with practical, memorable skills that can save lives.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and many incidents are preventable with the right knowledge and awareness. With the summer holidays approaching, when children spend more time outdoors and near water, the timing of the campaign is critical.
Leisure operators are uniquely positioned to support this mission. As trusted community hubs, pools and leisure centres play a vital role in introducing children and families to water safety. Drowning Prevention Week not only supports life-saving education but also helps operators engage new audiences and strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.
For many operators, the campaign is also an opportunity to build stronger links with local schools and community organisations.
“Our mission is to ensure everyone in our communities has the opportunity to learn how to swim and become safe in and around water. We use Drowning Prevention Week as an opportunity to get into schools and deliver water safety assemblies ahead of the summer holidays. In addition, all our swimming lessons during that week have a water safety focus.”
Operators can take advantage of a wide range of free campaign resources, including posters, digital assets, lesson plans and interactive activities. These materials can be used to create engaging displays and activity areas in facilities, helping children learn about water safety in a fun and accessible way.
Incorporating water safety into swimming lessons is another key approach. During the week, instructors can deliver focused sessions using RLSS UK’s lesson plans and teaching aids, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all age groups.
Beyond the pool, facilities can host community events such as water safety workshops, Rookie Lifeguard taster sessions, or family activity days. Promotions, discounts and offers on lessons and programmes can also help drive participation, while competitions and fundraising events can raise awareness and attract local media attention.
“Drowning Prevention Week is a collective effort. As the countdown to summer begins, we urge leisure operators to help us reach more communities than ever and move closer to our vision of communities free from drowning.”
