The National Water Safety Forum for which SLSGB are part of the stakeholder group have released the 2024 Drowning numbers collected through the Water Incident Database (WAID). WAID collects drowning numbers through coroners report, search and rescue activity and media reporting to try and collect an accurate recording system.
In 2024 SLSGB had one of its busiest year on record in terms of intervention and non-fatal drowning ( which is not recorded through WAID) over 3500 interventions were made in 2024 with 111 rescues. This demonstrates our volunteers’ commitments to drowning prevention both on our coast and inland waters.
National in 2024 there was a small decrease in water related fatalities from over 600 in 2023 to 597 in 2024. In accidental drownings ( those who had no intended purpose of falling in ) have seen a decrease in 2023 from 273 to 193. Unfortunately the numbers show that young males are the ones getting into trouble more and recreational activity accounted to more than 54% of the accidental fatalities. With climate change now also making an impact as in 2024 we had a warm spell in May, it also showed that was the point where most of the fatalities were found. Only just recently Bournemouth University completed a research study showing the link between warm weather (< 23C)
Professor Mike Tipton MBE – Chair of the National Water Safety Forum
“Each one of these fatalities represents a tragedy and the loss of many years of life, all those involved have my deepest condolences. The National Water Safety Forum will continue to work tirelessly to reduce drownings in the UK through data-driven education, interventions, communication and campaigns.
Because it is clear that drowning can occur anywhere and to anyone, I urge the general public to visit the National Water Safety Forum’s Respect the Water website to learn about water safety, and how to prevent themselves and others from drowning. A small amount of time devoted to drowning prevention could save many lives.”
SLSGB are already seeing high intervention numbers in 2025 in quarter 1 compared to 2024 and with combined information on this year for coastal water temperatures being warmer than normal for this time of year after a long period of warm weather and members of the public entering the water without understanding the risks , concerns are being raised.
What to do when going for a swim
- Swim at a lifeguarded beach
- Look for the Red and Yellow flags
- Swim with a buddy
- Take your time entering the water -Cold Water Shock can take away your ability to swim and survive!
- Learn how to float – if you get in difficult ‘float to live’ ( head and ears back, scull gently with arms and legs)
- Know what to do if you see someone in trouble
What to do if you come across an water incident
- Call 999 immediately
- Tell the person to float on their back
- Throw an aid either a throwline, life ring, or an inflatable toy
