More than 8 in 10 people who die in accidental drowning incidents in the UK are male, data shows, as fire chiefs urge people to take extra care around water this spring. 

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is warning about the risk of accidental drowning as part of its annual Be Water Aware campaign, running from Monday 27 April to Sunday 3 May, as more people spend time outdoors in the coming weeks. 

Between 2019 and 2024, 1,604 people in the UK lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents. Around half had no intention of entering the water, with slips, trips and falls identified as a leading cause. Over half of incidents occurred in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and canals. 

While the campaign has advice relevant to everyone, the data shows a clear pattern, with men far more likely to lose their lives in these incidents, often during everyday activities such as walking, running or cycling near water, where entry into the water was not planned or entering the water to cool down on a hot day. As temperatures rise, fire and rescue services can face increased numbers of water rescue incidents. 

Water temperatures in the UK remain cold year-round, even in warm weather. Sudden immersion can lead to cold water shock, which can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, panic and a loss of swimming ability within seconds. This can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or experience. 

As the weather improves, more people are spending time outside, and NFCC is urging people to speak with loved ones, especially males, about staying safe around water. 

Gavin Ellis, NFCC Drowning Prevention lead, said: 

“Most people would be surprised to hear how many lives are lost simply because people were spending time in and around water. These incidents can happen without warning, and something as simple as a slip near the water’s edge can have serious consequences, particularly when cold water shock takes effect. 

“We know that males make up the majority of those who lose their lives in these incidents, which is why it is so important that this message reaches them. This is not just about risk-taking behaviour. These are often everyday situations that can quickly lead to serious outcomes, which is why it is important to stay alert around water, even in familiar settings. 

“As the weather improves, fire services across the country, alongside colleagues in HM Coastguard and the RNLI, can face large numbers of calls to help people in difficulty in water. We want people to enjoy being outdoors, but to be mindful of the risks around water, particularly at this time of year.” 

The Be Water Aware campaign highlights simple steps people can take to reduce risk, including avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or headphones near water, staying back from the edge where possible, and calling for help rather than entering the water if someone is in difficulty.