World Drowning Prevention Day Event in York

On Friday 25th July emergency services and rescue organisations/charities will come together in York to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, raising awareness of water safety and the importance of drowning prevention.

Over the past decade, more than 3 million* people have lost their lives to drowning globally and there were 193 accidental drownings in the UK** last year.

In response North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, York Rescue Boat and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are joining forces to educate the public and promote lifesaving water safety messages.

From 10am to 1pm on Kings Staith and Queens Staith representatives from all three organisations will be on hand to provide free water safety advice. Activities will include:

• Throw line demonstrations by York Rescue Boat volunteers
• Water flume demonstrations by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• RNLI “Float to Live” campaign materials and guidance

To further raise awareness, RNLI banners will be displayed on bridges throughout the city, and in the evening, York’s historic city walls and Bars will be illuminated blue in support of the global “Going Blue” theme.

Between 7-9pm York Rescue Boat will be carrying out their usual patrols on the River Ouse and members of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will be on Queens Staith providing water safety advice.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, and Chair of the York River Safety Group Tony Peel, said: “World Drowning Prevention Day is a vital reminder of the dangers posed by water. By working together we can raise awareness and help keep our communities safe.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in organising this event with special mentions for the Ancient Monuments team within City of York Council for allowing the walls and Bars to be lit up blue and York Minster who will be mentioning World Drowning Prevention Day in their services.”

Alan Marsden RNLI Water Safety Advisor said: ‘World Drowning Prevention Day brings into sharp focus the tragic loss of life both here in the UK and around the world. As part of our campaign, you’ll see Float to Live posters on and near bridges because this simple technique has proven to save lives. We’re encouraging everyone to Find Your Float by practising in a safe environment like a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach. We all float differently, but everyone can learn how and it could one day save your life.’

Mark Rochester, Readiness Team Lead for York Rescue Boat added: “World drowning prevention day is to highlight the dangers that all types of water poses. With being involved in this day with our partners, we can spread the message on how to stay safe around water both locally and further afield. This message is especially important to us as a charity, so residents and visitors can enjoy the many areas around the rivers safely in this beautiful city.”

For more information on water safety, visit:
RNLI Water RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Saving Lives at Sea
York Rescue Boat York Rescue Boat
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Near water – North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Notes:

*figure from World Health Organisation World Drowning Prevention Day 2025

** figure from National Water Safety Forum 193 accidental water-related fatalities in 2024 – with more warm weather ahead, public urged to Respect the Water | National Water Safety Forum

York Rescue Boat is an independent search and rescue charity based in York,. Established in 2014 following a tragic series of river-related deaths in the city, the charity began with a small group fundraising from the back of a car. Since then, it has evolved into a highly trained and respected team, known for its life-saving work both locally and across the country.

 The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Powered primarily by kind donations, our search and rescue service has been saving lives for over 200 years.

 Statistics:

In the UK there were 193 accidental drownings last year 193 accidental water-related fatalities in 2024 – with more warm weather ahead, public urged to Respect the Water | National Water Safety Forum

236,000 people drown a year.  World Drowning Prevention Day | United Nations

That is 30 people every hour.

• • Drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people aged 1-24 years.