Be Water Aware
The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Be Water Aware campaign will run from 27th April – 3rd May 2026. Updated resources for 2026 will be available soon.
NFCC urges everyone to enjoy time in, on, and around water safely. Tragically, lives are lost every year in coastal and inland waters, but many of these deaths are preventable.Â
The Be Water Aware campaign is part of a coordinated effort to support the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy, which aims to achieve a 50% reduction in accidental drownings between 2016 and 2026.Â
NFCC encourages fire and rescue services, as well as partner organisations, to share vital safety information within their communities and on social media. Raising awareness is key to preventing accidental drownings, and the campaign highlights practical advice, such as what to do if you see someone in trouble in the water.Â
Key Messages
Respect the water. It's stronger than you think  Â
Most accidental drownings in the UK occur in inland waterways like rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, and quarries. Even calm-looking water can have strong currents, cold temperatures, and hidden dangers. Â
More information and resource are available as part of the National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) Respect the Water campaign. This national campaign was created by member organisations including NFCC. Resources and information can be used throughout the year.
Cold water can kill
Cold water shock can affect your ability swim, even in summer the water can be very cold. Enter water slowly to acclimatise rather than jumping in.Â
Find out more about cold water shock.
About half of accidental drownings happen to people who didn't intend to go in the water
54% that’s 865 of the 1,602 people who accidentally drowned between 2019-2024 never expected to enter the water. People who were walking, running or cycling and accidentally entered the water accounted for 578 lost lives, 73% (420) in inland waters.
Know what to do in an emergency
Call 999 for help if someone is in trouble in the water. Never enter the water to attempt a rescue. Ask for the Coastguard at the coast.
Tell them to float on their back.
Throw them something that floats this can be lifesaving equipment such as a throwline, but anything that floats can help save a life.Â
Float to live
If you fall into water unexpectedly, fight the instinct to thrash, tilt your head back, spread your arms and legs, and float to regain control of your breathing.Â
Alcohol and water don’t mix
Annually a number of drowning incidents involve alcohol and/or drugs. Choosing to enter the water while under the influence or walking a route next to water after a night out can lead to drowning.
Inland Water Safety Position Statement
In September 2024, NFCC released our Inland Water position statement. It highlights the differing statutory responsibilities across the UK. One of the key areas it outlines is that English FRS do respond to inland water rescue incidents using existing general powers and resources, but there is no statutory duty for them to do so. This means there is limited investment and resources in this area, and this can vary across the English FRS. The lack of clear statutory duty means there is no dedicated continuous funding for FRS inland water safety response and prevention work.
The recommendations in the position statement outline NFCC’s ask of government some of which have the potential to bolster fire and rescue service water safety prevention efforts including work with partners through the National Water Safety Forum.
