Respect The Water

Respect the Water wherever you are

Respect the Water is our national drowning prevention campaign. It highlights the risks, helps you avoid them and gives advice to keep you and those around you safe.

It’s our goal to halve the number of accidental coastal deaths by 2024. The campaign aims to show those most at risk the potential dangers of water, to encourage them to reconsider their actions and adopt safer behaviour.

Current drowning figures show a clear gender divide, with men accounting for the vast majority of those who die. So the campaign is primarily aimed at men, particularly those aged between 16 and 39 years, who are more likely to take risks. Although the safety advice is just as relevant for anyone visiting the coast.

Fight your instinct, not the water

Around 190 people lose their lives at the UK and Irish coasts each year, and over half never even planned to enter the water.

This year, Respect the Water will focus on simple skills that could save a life:

If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, float to increase your chances of survival.
If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Cold water

Cold water shock is triggered in water temperatures lower than 15⁰C – the average temperature of UK and Irish waters is 12⁰C. So even in the Summer, the water temperature is cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can steal the air from your lungs and leave you helpless in seconds.

Rip currents and waves

Rip currents can travel up to the same speed as an Olympic swimmer (4.5mph) and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. And unexpected waves can quickly knock people off their feet.

How you can help

Read our real-life stories and share our safety messages with family and friends.

Together we can reduce coastal drowning and save more lives at sea.

Helping you stay safe

At the beach

Go to a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Before going into the sea, consider your ability and the conditions; swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool.
When you enter the water, take time to acclimatise to the temperature.
Have someone watching you from the beach and make sure they are able to call for help.

Near open water

When you are near open water, keep away from the edge, stick to designated paths and look out for safety signs.
Keep clear of uneven, unstable or slippery ground.
Avoid walking alone or at night, and always carry a means of calling for help.
If you are exploring the coastline, always get local advice on the tide to make sure you don’t get cut off.

On the water

Carry a means of calling for help in case you do end up in trouble.
Wear an appropriate flotation device, such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid – it could save your life.
If you are going out alone, tell someone ashore your plans and what time you expect to be back.