Swim:ED at the RoSPA National Water Safety Conference 2025

On Thursday, March 13th, Swim:ED proudly participated in the RoSPA National Water Safety Conference in Birmingham. Our project lead, Andy Heald, delivered an engaging presentation that reinforced Swim:ED's role in addressing the primary school swimming crisis. The conference was an insightful gathering of water safety experts, policymakers, and educators coming together to address the growing concern of drowning incidents in the UK.

Conference highlights and key statistics

Drowning prevention is a national priority.

Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in the UK, with alarming statistics that highlight the urgent need for action:

• Child drowning fatalities have doubled since 2020.
• 82% of drowning victims are male, with young men identified as the highest-risk group.
• 44% of drowning incidents involve individuals with no intention of entering the water, such as walkers and runners.

These figures emphasise the need for improved education and preventive measures, particularly within primary schools, where knowledge of water safety and swimming skills can save lives.

Call for collaboration

Collaboration is key in driving effective water safety strategies. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), National Water Safety Forum, and emergency services are leading the way in developing coordinated approaches to drowning prevention. Swim:ED perfectly aligns with the UK Drowning Prevention Strategy and the #RespectTheWater campaign, supporting efforts to integrate effective water safety education into schools.

One major upcoming event is Drowning Prevention Week, taking place from June 18 to 26, 2025.  This week-long event is organised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) in partnership with the RNLI and Swim England, serving as a crucial platform to amplify water safety awareness.

Looking ahead

As Swim:ED continues to expand, we remain committed to working alongside national partners, policymakers, and educators to drive meaningful change. The RoSPA National Water Safety Conference reaffirmed the importance of our mission and our vital role in shaping the future of water safety education. We can create a safer future for children across the UK by fostering collaboration and embracing innovative solutions.

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming initiatives, including our involvement in Drowning Prevention Week and new partnerships that will strengthen our impact. Together, we can make a difference.