Young people urged to stay safe around open water after latest tragedies
There has been a stark increase in the number of fatalities in and around water amongst young people, and we must work together to prevent more deaths.
Seven young people under 20 died in accidental drownings in Wales in 2023, the highest number since comparable data became available from the National Water Safety Forum’s Water Incident Database (WAID) in 2015. In total, there were 28 deaths in Wales from accidental drowning in 2023 across inland and coastal locations, and we have already seen a number of drowning fatalities this year.
Water Safety Wales would like your support in raising further awareness of water safety messages to children and young people on the importance of staying safe around the coast and inland waterways including rivers, lakes and reservoirs during the summer period.
One drowning is too many. Remember the four simple life saving messages to help keep our children and young people safe around open water. Knowing these tips can save a life.
water safety code flyer bilingual.pdf
Supporting Data:
The latest figures from the Water Incident Database (WAID), which is maintained by the National Water Safety Forum, highlight drowning trends from 2023. Key accidental drowning death WAID insights for Wales include:
- There were 28 accidental fatalities caused by drowning (an increase from 22 in 2022)
- 76% of accidental fatalities were male
- Males aged 10-19 were the highest group for accidental fatalities
- 59% of accidental fatalities happened inland
- Recreational activities accounted for 41% of accidental fatalities
- 52% of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.