Drowning Prevention Week 2026: Why Water Safety Matters in North Anglia

13–20 June 2026

As summer approaches and more people head outdoors to enjoy our rivers, broads, lakes, and coastline, CWU North Anglia is proud to support Drowning Prevention Week 2026. This national campaign, led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), aims to equip communities with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe around water.

For our region, this message is especially important. Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire see preventable water‑related incidents every year — and the latest figures highlight why awareness and education are vital.

A High‑Risk Region: What the Data Shows

Across the UK, around 270 people lose their lives to accidental drowning each year, with thousands more experiencing near‑misses or water‑related injuries. Many of these incidents occur during the warmer months, when more people are swimming, boating, paddleboarding, or simply spending time near open water.

Within our own counties, the picture is clear:

• Norfolk remains one of the highest‑risk counties in England, recording consistently high accidental drowning numbers over the past five years. Its extensive coastline, rivers, and the Broads National Park create beautiful spaces — but also complex water environments.

• Cambridgeshire sees steady, mid‑level incidents each year, often linked to rivers, weirs, and popular outdoor swimming spots.

• Suffolk, while lower in comparison, still experiences regular water‑related fatalities, particularly in coastal areas and inland waterways.

These are not abstract statistics. They represent families, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives have been changed forever. And in many cases, the tragedies could have been prevented with simple knowledge and awareness.

Why Drowning Prevention Week Matters

Drowning Prevention Week is one of the UK’s largest annual water‑safety campaigns. Its purpose is simple: to give everyone the skills and understanding they need to enjoy water safely.

The RLSS UK provides a wide range of free, accessible resources designed for all ages, including:

• The Water Safety Code — the essential steps everyone should know before going near water.

• Guidance on recognising and responding to cold‑water shock, a major factor in sudden drownings.

• Practical advice on what to do if someone gets into difficulty, including safe rescue techniques.

• Safety information for rivers, lakes, beaches, canals, and open water.

• Tailored resources for families, schools, youth groups, and community organisations.

These materials are available at: www.rlss.org.uk

Whether you’re a parent, a dog walker, a paddleboarder, or someone who simply enjoys a walk by the water, taking a few minutes to learn these basics can genuinely save a life.

Our Commitment as a Union

CWU North Anglia is rooted in community, safety, and looking out for one another. We believe that awareness campaigns like Drowning Prevention Week are not just national initiatives — they are opportunities for us to protect our members, their families, and the wider public.

We encourage everyone to:

• Spend five minutes learning the Water Safety Code.

• Share RLSS resources with friends, family, and colleagues.

• Talk to children and young people about staying safe near water.

• Be aware of local risks, especially when visiting rivers, broads, and coastal areas.

• Know how to call for help and what to do in an emergency.

Small actions make a big difference.

Keeping Each Other Safe This Summer

As we move into the warmer months, let’s commit to making water safety part of our everyday awareness. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring the Broads, or simply enjoying a riverside walk, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Together, we can reduce preventable tragedies and help ensure that everyone in our region enjoys the summer safely.

Stay informed. Stay aware. Stay safe.