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  • International Drowning Prevention

International Drowning Prevention

There are around 300,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

300,000 people drowning every year means 40 people drown every hour. Drowning is a highly preventable public health issue, and RLSS UK is committed to working with international partners to reduce worldwide drowning.

You can help our efforts to reduce drowning by donating to our International projects or to MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station).

*Source: WHO (Dec, 2024)

Donate to MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station)


To contribute to the reduction of global drownings RLSS UK staff and volunteers serve on the commissions of the:

International Lifesaving Federation Europe (ILSE)

International Lifesaving Federation (ILS)


RLSS UK is a proud member of the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth

The Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth (RLSS Commonwealth), with active Member Branches in 27 Commonwealth Nations, aims to reduce the incidence of drowning worldwide by developing community-based drowning prevention strategies and lifesaving education programmes. RLSS Commonwealth provides advice and education to Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals on developing water skills. 


The Migrant Drowning Crisis

It is estimated by the IOM (International Organization for Migration) that at least 7,927 migrants died or went missing during 2016, with drowning being a significant cause (see live figures for this year here).

Since being established, MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) has rescued over 30,000 people from the world’s deadliest maritime migration routes. To support MOAS in it’s work to save migrants from drowning.

Make a donation


RLSS UKs Water Safety Code Poster - with characters

The Water Safety Code in multiple languages

The Water Safety Code is the fundamental spine of all water safety education.

Download Water Safety Code Resources in multiple languages

Adnoddau Diogelwch Dŵr yn Gymraeg

Adnoddau Diogelwch Dŵr yn Gymraeg

Mae Cymdeithas Frenhinol Achub Bywyd y DU (RLSS UK) yn falch o gynnig cyfoeth o ddeunyddiau yn Gymraeg i sicrhau ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch dŵr ar draws cymunedau yng Nghymru.

Adnoddau Diogelwch Dŵr yn Gymraeg

Published: 6th August, 2018

Updated: 19th January, 2026

Author: James Soley

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Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England, Wales (1046060), and Scotland (SC037912) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (3033781). Its registered office is RLSS UK, Red Hill House, 227 London Road, Worcester, WR5 2JG.

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