Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) are supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) Drowning Prevention week to help children and their families enjoy water safely ahead of the summer.
For over a decade, RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week has aimed to equip educators, teachers, parents, and carers of children with vital water safety knowledge ahead of the summer months, when drownings are most likely to occur.
The risk of accidental drowning increases significantly during the summer, when the idea of swimming in rivers, lakes, or open water becomes more appealing in warm weather.
Knowing how to swim is a valuable skill - but it is not enough to stay safe in the water. True competency and confidence in and around water require knowledge of the Water Safety Code - Get to know the Water Safety Code with RLSS UK (Welsh subtitles) | Videos & Movies on Vimeo, including staying together, stopping to think and assess the risks before entering the water, and knowing what to do in an emergency.
Drowning is preventable. In addition to sharing water safety messages, RLSS UK is campaigning for systemic drowning prevention by advocating for lifeguards and lifesavers, training bystanders, and developing unified water safety policies with the Government.
Drowning Prevention Week plays a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging the public to enjoy water safely.
Station Manager and Water Safety Manager Robert Tovey said:
“We’re proud to support the RLSS UK’s campaign and encourage everyone to use and share their lesson plans, resources, and guidance during Drowning Prevention Week and beyond. We want the residents of Mid and West Wales and visitors to the region, to make the right choices, enjoy the coastlines, river and lakes responsibly and avoid getting into difficulty in the water.”
If someone falls into the water or gets into trouble whilst swimming, the instinct to jump in and help can be overwhelming, but without the right training or equipment, it can quickly lead to tragedy. Stay on land and make the right call 999 and always remember the Water Safety Code:
- Stop and Think
- Stay Together
- Call 999
- Float
#DrowningPreventionWeek #DPW2026
