The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is a collaborative network of the UK’s leading experts in drowning prevention.
We serve to provide a collective voice for water safety organisations and practitioners across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, promoting key issues to government and communities through education, communication and data-driven research.
Our strategy
The UK Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to prevent accidental drowning fatalities in the UK by working in partnership to ensure consistent guidance for the safe enjoyment and management of activities in, on and around water. It aims to achieve a 50% reduction in drowning fatalities in the UK by 2026 and reduce risk amongst the highest risk populations, groups and communities.
Developed by the NWSF, the strategy is a call to action for current and future partners to contribute to its implementation, as well as a framework to guide the work of organisations and individuals who have a responsibility for drowning prevention and water safety.
Read the full UK Drowning Prevention Strategy 2016-2026.
Evidence and Data
The Water Incident Database (WAID) brings together water-related incident data from across the UK into a single comprehsnive resource. It consolidates several existing sources of data, including search and rescue reports, coroners' reports and media reporting.
Access the Water Incident Database (WAID).
Campaigns
We deliver original water safety campaigns under our public-facing "Respect The Water" brand, support global awareness events like World Drowning Prevention Day, and amplify vital national campaigns delivered by our partners.
Support our campaigns.
Managing Water Safety
We provide resources for UK landowners and landmanagers to support the management of water safety at both inland and coastal locations, as well as guidance on how to establish a Water Safety Partnership in your area or region.
Access our Managing Water Safety resources.
Principles and Governance
The NWSF deals with a very wide range of water related activities and risks to people, the environment, and economic activity. For a detailed overview of the core principles that govern our work, please see our Water Safety Principles.
You can also read our Terms of Reference.