‘REAL PROGRESS – BUT NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY’
- 2024 saw a total of 78 water-related fatalities recorded in 2024, which marks the lowest level recorded since 2018
- 33 of these were accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
- 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
- Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use.
Water fatality statistics in Scotland reveals that men, particularly those aged 20 to 29, are at risk of drowning compared to other groups. According to fresh data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), men accounted for 82 per cent of all accidental water-related deaths in Scotland in 2024.
While the overall number of water-related fatalities fell to 78 in 2024, the lowest level since 2018, recent statistics from 2024 suggest that young men are disproportionately affected. The Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) dashboard also provides more specific and in-depth live data, which is updated monthly.
According to the published WAID figures, of the 33 accidental deaths, over half (55 per cent) occurred in coastal waters – a shift from the historical trend of inland waterway incidents. Recreational activities were involved in 46 per cent of these fatalities, and April emerged as the deadliest month.
Encouragingly, overall drownings and accidental drownings are at their lowest levels in Scotland, the accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60 per 100,000 people, continuing a downward trend
Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and RoSPA’s Senior Policy Manager, said: “This year’s figures show real progress; water-related fatalities in Scotland are at their lowest levels. However, this is not a time for complacency, as every water-related fatality is a tragedy.
“Last year’s data show that young men were the most affected, with coastal waters currently the most common location for deaths, so we must continue to focus our efforts to address these concerns with targeted safety messages and interventions.
“Fortunately, introduction of the Drowning and Incident Review (DIR) in May 2023 has helped to improve the quality and clarity of fatality data, reducing the number of “not recorded” outcomes and has provided deeper insights into incident causes, which we will continue to use to help identify risk factors now and in the future.”
Key findings from the 2024 WAID (Water Incident Database) report:
- 33 accidental fatalities, with men aged 20–29 the most affected group by both number and population rate
- 82% of the accidental fatalities were men, a consistent trend in recent years
- Recreational activities were involved in 46% of accidental deaths, highlighting the risks associated with leisure water use
- Coastal waters accounted for 55% of accidental fatalities, overtaking inland waterways for the first time in recent years
- April was the deadliest month for accidental fatalities
- The accidental fatality rate dropped to 0.60, continuing a positive downward trend
- Only two cases involved drugs or alcohol, suggesting other behavioural or situational factors are more significant
Community Safety Minister Siobhain Brown said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends who have lost a loved one in a drowning accident.
“I encourage everyone to protect themselves and others when in and around the water and to be aware that water temperature can vary drastically, as can currents and tides. It’s well worth learning the Water Safety Code and using the resources of Water Safety Scotland so people can stay safe and prevent accidents in our waters.”
Water Safety Scotland continues to promote water safety through its assets, including free education resources for teachers and practitioners and free consistent water safety messaging for partners to use across Scotland.
As summer approaches, Water Safety Scotland wants to remind the public to stay safe and follow the three-part Water Safety Code:
- Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
- Stay Together, Stay Close
- In an Emergency, Call 999
| Scotland water-related fatalities | 2024 |
| Accident/natural causes suspected | 33 |
| Crime suspected | 2 |
| Inconclusive | 4 |
| Suicide suspected* | 39 |
| Total | 78 |