Following recent periods of warm weather, which nationally sadly saw a number of water-related incidents and tragic drownings, the Service is using Drowning Prevention Week (13–20 June 2026) to remind communities how to enjoy water safely and what to do in an emergency.
Run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), Drowning Prevention Week highlights the importance of water safety education ahead of the summer months, when incidents are more likely to occur.
With water never far away across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, from the Solent and coastline to rivers, lakes, reservoirs and mudflats; HIWFRS is encouraging residents and visitors to take simple steps to stay safe.
Over the last five years, 3,615 people have tragically lost their lives through drowning in the UK and Ireland 1. Alarmingly, new data shows a 67% increase in drowning deaths among 13-17-year-olds 2 ,making this age group a key focus for this year’s campaign.
HIWFRS Prevention Development Officer Alex Jansz said:
“Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, we regularly respond to incidents involving rivers, lakes, ponds, mud and other inland waterways, as well as working with partners to keep people safe around the coast. What many people don’t realise is that drowning often occurs during everyday activities and can affect anyone, regardless of age or swimming ability.
“By understanding the risks around water and knowing how to react in an emergency, people can make safer choices and potentially save lives. Drowning Prevention Week gives us an opportunity to share those important safety messages and help prevent avoidable tragedies.”
While many people see swimming as an important life skill, experts stress that it is not enough on its own to prevent drowning. Understanding the Water Safety Code, including stopping to think, staying together, and knowing how to respond in an emergency is crucial.
National data also shows that around half of people who drown never planned to enter the water, with slips, trips and falls near riverbanks, lakes and coastal paths among the leading causes.
Cold water shock remains a significant but often underestimated danger. Even on warm days, water temperatures can be low enough to trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers.
The Service is also highlighting the dangers posed by mud in coastal and riverside areas. Fire crews frequently respond alongside the Coastguard and RNLI to incidents where people become stuck in mud, particularly in popular walking locations.
Recent incidents attended by HIWFRS include assisting five paddleboarders stuck in mud at Calshot and rescuing two men from mud in Portsmouth after their vessel overturned.
Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, said:
“We urge everyone to use RLSS UK’s free, accessible water safety resources to educate children and teens with critical information this June, to help ensure everyone has a safe summer. This knowledge needs to be shared now to prevent tragedies — we can all play a part in creating communities free from drowning.”
HIWFRS is encouraging everyone to follow the RLSS advice:
1. Stop and Think
Before entering or going near water:
- Check for hazards such as currents, deep water, slippery banks, or cold temperatures
- Think about whether it is safe to enter
- Avoid jumping into unknown water
2. Stay Together
- Never swim or play near water alone
- Keep friends and family within sight
- Look out for each other
3. Float –If you unexpectedly enter deep or cold water:
- Tilt your head back
- Keep your ears submerged
- Relax and spread your arms and legs
- Control your breathing before trying to swim
4. Call
In an emergency:
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, Fire and Rescue, or Ambulance depending on the location
- If safe, throw something that floats to the casualty
- Do not enter the water yourself unless trained to do so
HIWFRS hopes that by sharing these lifesaving messages, communities can continue to enjoy the region’s coastline and waterways safely this summer, while helping to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Visit RLSS UK’s website now to access free water safety resources for children, parents, carers and educators: https://www.rlss.org.uk/dpw.
