As summer begins across the Northern Hemisphere, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is leading a renewed international push for water safety through its flagship initiative, Drowning Prevention Week, running from 14 to 21 June 2025.
Now in its 12th year, the campaign continues to grow in reach and impact through the mobilisation of key groups including families, educators, leisure centres and lifesaving clubs.
The campaign is timed ahead of the school summer holidays, when children are most at risk due to increased activity in and around waterways. Free and targeted resources aim to teach children aged 5–15 how to stay safe in and around water.
In 2024, these resources reached an estimated 1.25 million children across the UK and Ireland and this year’s campaign is going one step further by highlighting the importance of inclusive education.
RLSS UK has expanded its materials to support children with additional needs, ensuring that lifesaving knowledge is accessible to all.
While the campaign is UK-based, its message resonates globally. RLSS UK’s approach of community-driven, education-focused, and inclusivity, offers a model for other nations seeking to reduce preventable drownings.
The International Life Saving Federation encourages its members to amplify the campaign’s core message: drowning is preventable, and education saves lives.
For campaign resources and international adaptation guides, visit the official RLSS UK Drowning Prevention Week page.