With Summer and the school holidays just around the corner, millions of families will be heading out to enjoy the sunshine. This in evidently includes trips to the seaside, pools and lakes to cool down as the temperatures rise. Unfortunately, with this fun activity there is the flipside of the potential danger of drowning, which is why Active Luton are supporting one of the UK and Ireland’s largest annual water safety campaigns - Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) which runs from 14 to 21 June 2025.
Why Drowning Prevention Week Matters
Every year in the UK and Ireland, around 400 people lose their lives to accidental drowning, with the majority happening over the summer months in open water settings including rivers, lakes and the sea. Tragically, with better awareness and simple safety measures around outdoor swimming, many of these deaths could have been avoided.
According to data from the Royal Life Saving Society UK(RLSS UK), who organise Drowning Prevention Week; England is also reporting an alarming increase in child drowning fatalities with the number of child drowning deaths having more than doubled in the 4 years from 2019-20, to2022-23, with a total of 125 children accidentally losing their lives.
How can this be Prevented?
The aim of Drowning Prevention Week, which has been running for over10 years now is to equip everyone, but especially children, with the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy water safely. The campaign reaches millions every year and helps to raise vital awareness about how to prevent drowning tragedies and promote safe water practices.
How Active Luton are raising awareness of Water Safety
Every summer at Active Luton we run our Water Safety Week along-side Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) to educate school children on the importance of staying safe near water. The main point we aim to get across is not to put themselves in danger if swimming outdoors, but if the worst happens what they should do to get help.
The Water Safety Code
One of the ways we educate children including those in our swim classes; is to always follow the Water Safety Code.
It stresses that whenever you are around water to:
1. STOP AND THINK – Take time to assess your surroundings, look for the dangers and always research local signs and advice.
2. STAY TOGETHER – When around water always go with friends or family, and swim at a lifeguarded venue where possible.
If an emergency arises:
1. CALL 999 – Ask for the Fire and Rescue Service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast. Don’t enter the water to rescue.
2. FLOAT – If you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help. If you see somebody that has fallen in, throw something that floats to them and call for help.
BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ENTER THE WATER TO RESCUE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING FROMTHE WATER.
How you can help your children learn about Water Safety
Learning to swim and understanding water safety are life-saving skills, not luxuries.
Whether you're a parent, carer, swimmer or someone who just enjoys being near the water, there are simple steps you can take:
- Talk to your children about the Water Safety Code and make use of the RLSS UK’s free online resources
- Follow the guidelines for swimsuits colours- know the best colours for visibility in dark water, so you can see your child should the worst happen
- Enrol in a swimming lesson – it's never too late or too old to learn to swim
- Know the risks of open water - including cold water shock, hidden currents, and unpredictable depths
- Be prepared – learn basic rescue and CPR skills
If you would like to find out more information on our membership options for children or adults to learn to swim and/or dive, please goto: https://www.activeluton.co.uk/memberships or find out more at: https://www.activeluton.co.uk/swimming-lessons