Council launches drowning prevention skills event following recent tragedies
The council is urging the community to ‘Be water safe’ this summer as it hosts a drowning prevention skills event on Saturday 13 June, marking the start of National Drowning Prevention Week (13–20 June 2026).
The event comes at a critical time, following a series of tragic water-related incidents across the UK during the recent heatwave, where at least 17 people, including many children and teenagers, lost their lives in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
Emergency services and water safety organisations have warned that warmer weather significantly increases the risk of accidental drowning, particularly in open water where temperatures remain dangerously cold.
Hosted by LiveWire at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, Great Sankey, Bewsey and Dallam, the event will offer short, instructor-led sessions teaching essential lifesaving and water safety skills, helping residents build confidence and understand how to respond in an emergency.
Drowning Prevention Week, led nationally by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), aims to equip families and young people with practical skills and knowledge to stay safe around water, particularly ahead of the busy summer period.
Event details – how to book
- Date: Saturday 13 June 2026
- Time: 12:30pm – 4:00pm
- Locations: Orford, Great Sankey, Bewsey and Dallam
- Format: 15-minute practical sessions (booking required)
- How to book: Book a public swim and register your interest at the Drowning Prevention Day table.
Participants will learn vital techniques such as how to stay calm in the water, basic self-rescue skills, and what to do if they see someone in trouble, all delivered in a safe, supervised environment.
Cabinet member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said: “The recent incidents across the UK are a stark reminder that drowning can happen quickly and unexpectedly, even to strong swimmers. Through this event, we want to give people the knowledge and confidence to stay safe and potentially save a life.”
“Initiatives like this are vital in helping our communities understand the risks and, more importantly, learn the simple skills that could save a life. I would encourage families across Warrington to take part, build their confidence around water, and help ensure everyone can stay safe this summer.”
Did you know?
Across the UK, around 193 people accidentally drown each year, with many incidents occurring in inland waterways such as rivers and lakes.
A significant proportion of victims had no intention of entering the water at all, highlighting how quickly situations can escalate.
Helping the community stay safe
The LiveWire sessions are open to all ages and abilities, with families encouraged to attend together. Children can take part with an adult, while those aged 8+ can join independently.
Spaces are limited, and participants must book onto a public swim session to attend.
A life-saving message
With more people heading to pools, beaches and open water during warmer months, the message is simple:
Stop, think, and know what to do before entering the water.
RLSS Water Safety Code
- Stop and think
- Take time to assess your surroundings
- Look for hazards like cold water, currents, deep water or hidden objects
- Check signs, flags and local safety advice
- Stay together
- Always go with friends or family near water
- Swim at lifeguarded locations where possible
- Make sure someone can raise the alarm if needed
- In an emergency – call 999
- Ask for the Fire and Rescue Service (inland) or Coastguard (coast)
- Never enter the water to try and rescue someone
- Encourage the person in trouble and get help instead
- Float
- If you fall into the water or get tired:
- Stay calm
- Float on your back
- Control your breathing
- This helps you recover from cold water shock and stay afloat until help arrives
Extra RLSS safety advice
- Avoid using inflatables in open water (they can drift quickly)
- Enter water slowly – don’t jump or dive into unknown depths
- Know your limits – cold water can affect even strong swimmers
- If someone is in trouble: call, shout, and throw – don’t go in
