Don't Drink and Drown

It Might Be Coming Home! But Make Sure You Get Home Safe! 

Stay Safe this World Cup by following these water safety tips: 

Whether you’re watching events, heading out after a match, or exploring the city, keep water safety in mind. 

1) Plan your journey and choose routes away from water. Stay in well-lit, populated areas and keep back from the water’s edge - especially at night. 

2) Stay together and #BeAMate. Don’t leave your fellow football fans to walk home alone - especially near rivers, canals, quays, beaches, coastal paths, or waterfronts. 

3) Don’t enter the water after drinking - even strong swimmers are at risk. Alcohol reduces your ability to stay afloat and respond in an emergency. 

Make the right call: celebrate safely 

Learn more about how to stay safe around water:  

Follow the Water Safety Code

46% of accidental drownings in those ages 18-25 involve alcohol and/or drugs* — and many incidents happen simply while walking near water, not intending to enter it at all. 

*Source: WAID (2018-2023) 

In an emergency: 

If someone falls into the water: 

• Call 999 immediately 
• Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue 
• Throw something that floats to somebody who has fallen in (e.g. a football or throw line) 
• Encourage them to stay calm and float on their back.    
  
  

How to Float to Live 

• Tilt your head back: Keep your airway clear and your ears submerged in the water. 
• Relax and breathe: Fight the urge to panic and try to get your breathing under control. 
• Spread your limbs: Extend your arms and legs to stabilise yourself in the water. 
• Scull if needed: Gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. 
• Wait for help: It is completely normal if your legs sink (everyone floats differently). Once your breathing is steady, signal for help or swim to safety. 
  
  

Don’t Drink and Drown is the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK’s) national campaign focused on reducing the number of substance-related drownings across the UK and Ireland. 

The Don't Drink and Drown campaign encourages individuals to take responsibility for their friends when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, helping them to avoid dangerous routes by water and return home safely. 

#BeAMate and Save the Dates for RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign in 2026: 

• 21-27 September 2026 
• 7-12 December 2026