A practical guide to setting up a Water Safety Action Group and designing a local Water Safety Plan.

Tragically, each year, around 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland. Additionally, about 2,100 people in England alone are admitted to Accident and Emergency annually as a result of non-fatal or ‘near drowning’ incidents, with thousands more incidences occurring in Wales and Scotland.

This guide is designed to help local communities respond to such an incident.

RLSS UK has a history of supporting the development of community groups and empowering them to create an evidenced-based plan that targets the heart of their local drowning issue.

The guide starts by taking the Water Safety Action Group (WSAG) on a journey to explore and understand their drowning issues and concerns. The following steps involve designing and delivering their own Water Safety Plan (WSP).

The WSAG benefits from the guide’s use of pre-established case studies, programmes, and templates, which in turn benefit the Water Safety Action Group by contextualising their opportunities and adopting established best practices.

We hope to encourage more people to take on this challenge, ultimately contributing to a 50% reduction in drowning in the UK and Ireland by 2026, as outlined as a strategic aim of the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF).

If you would like further information, contact [email protected]

Guide to setting up a Water Safety Action Group