What more can be done to prevent drowning and help people stay safe in and around water?
This was a central question at this year's RoSPA National Water Safety Conference 2026, which brought together professionals from across water safety, education, research and policy to share knowledge, challenge thinking and explore the future of drowning prevention in the UK.
Representing Swim:ED, Andrew Stanton and Amy Gilluley joined the discussions for a thought-provoking day that highlighted both the challenges facing the sector and the importance of working together to address them.
Several themes stood out throughout the day, particularly around how we understand risk, improve access to swimming and strengthen water safety education.
Using data to inform prevention
Understanding where drowning incidents happen, who is affected and the behaviours surrounding them is essential to developing more targeted and effective prevention strategies.
Addressing inequalities in access
Not every child has the same opportunity to develop swimming ability, aquatic competence or water safety knowledge. Financial, geographical and social barriers continue to affect access, highlighting the importance of more inclusive provision.
Looking beyond swimming ability
Being able to swim in a pool does not automatically prepare someone for the changing conditions and hazards of open water. Recognising risks, understanding different environments and making informed decisions are all important parts of staying safe.
Building knowledge, confidence and judgement
Water safety education should go beyond physical swimming skills. Helping children develop the knowledge, confidence and judgement to make safer decisions is an essential part of drowning prevention.
As part of the conference programme, Andrew delivered a session titled “Waves of Change: Redefining Primary School Swimming and Water Safety with Temporary Pop-Up Pools.”
The session explored how bringing swimming provision directly onto school sites can help overcome some of the barriers schools face in delivering high-quality swimming and water safety education.
Andrew also shared findings from Swim:ED's latest Impact Report, due for release at the end of October, highlighting improvements in 25-metre swimming proficiency, safe self-rescue and water safety knowledge.
One of the strongest messages from the conference was the importance of collaboration. Improving water safety outcomes requires shared learning, evidence-informed approaches and a collective commitment to ensuring more people have the skills and knowledge to stay safe.
Thank you to RoSPA, the speakers and everyone who contributed to such an insightful day.
The discussions provided plenty to reflect on and reinforced the value of continuing these conversations across education, research, policy and the wider water safety community.