New Drowning Prevention Strategy to be released
- The fifth annual World Drowning Prevention Day event returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Saturday July 25, 2026
- The family‑friendly programme is designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
- Event supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Water Safety Scotland will host its annual World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, on Saturday 25 July, 2026, offering a free, family‑friendly programme designed to raise awareness of water safety and support national efforts to prevent drowning.
Now in its fifth year, the event coincides with the launch of Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy, marking an important step forward in national efforts to prevent drowning.
The event is supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and Scottish Canals.
Attendees can look forward to a packed programme of hands‑on, family‑friendly activities, including:
- Discovering essential, life‑saving skills through the Water Safety Code
- Live rescue demonstrations from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
- Paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions led by Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
- A variety of interactive stands, offering engaging activities and practical safety advice.
The event runs from 11.00am to 3.00pm and is open to all, with families, young people and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives.
“With Scotland’s new Drowning Prevention Strategy launched, World Drowning Prevention Day gives us a vital opportunity to help people understand simple actions that can keep them and others safe around water.
“We want everyone to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful waterways, but to do so safely. Events like this offer a fun, supportive way to learn the skills and knowledge that make a real difference.”
Community Safety Minister, Kirsten Oswald, said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to promoting water safety and preventing accidents in our waterways.
“As we enjoy the summer, one that has been particularly warm, heading into the water often feels inviting, so I urge anyone planning to be in or around water to exercise caution and follow the safety advice available.
“The Water Safety Code sets out three key steps: stop and think, spot the dangers; stay together, stay close; and in an emergency, call 999.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.
“We’re delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.”
With Scotland’s abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.”
Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “We are pleased to support World Drowning Prevention Day once again and to welcome partners and communities back to Loch Lomond Shores for this important event.
“This year’s gathering comes as Scotland strengthens its national approach to drowning prevention with a new national Drowning Prevention Strategy, highlighting the importance of working together in places like the National Park, where millions of people visit every year.
“Even on the warmest days, Loch Lomond and other open water across the Park remain cold enough to trigger cold water shock, and hidden hazards or sudden changes in depth can impact the strongest swimmers. That’s why planning ahead, understanding local conditions and following the Water Safety Code remain essential for anyone spending time in or around our lochs and rivers.
“We look forward to encouraging people to respect the Loch Lomond Byelaws, to follow simple lifesaving guidance such as ‘Float to Live’, and to look out for one another. We want everyone to enjoy the National Park this summer, but to do so safely and responsibly.”
Anthony Mallon, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Station Commander and Community Safety Engagement for Prevention said: “We want people of all ages to be safe around water by understanding the risks and knowing how to prevent drowning.
“Education and drowning prevention remain central to our work to help communities safe. Our firefighters and Community Action Teams engage with community groups throughout Scotland, sharing practical advice on staying safe near water and what to do in an emergency.
“The key message for everyone is to follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and think, stay together, and in an emergency, float.”
For more information, visit: www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk
