This summer, we’re encouraging families to have honest conversations about water safety. A quarter of UK parents have never spoken to their children about it, but taking just a few minutes could help prevent a tragedy.
Martin House doesn’t just care for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. We also support families following the sudden death of a child. Every year, we provide bereavement support and care after death to families whose child has died unexpectedly, including after accidents like drowning.
Watch our message by Vicki Greensmith, Director of Clinical Services at Martin House Children’s Hospice
Useful information
Royal Life Saving Society UK
RLSS UK is one of the UK’s leading voices on water safety. They offer a huge range of resources for families, schools, and organisations, from downloadable guides and videos to national campaigns like Drowning Prevention Week. A great go-to for support and education materials.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
WYFRS offers clear, practical advice on how to stay safe around open water, with guidance on what to do if someone is in difficulty. Their resources also support schools and businesses, particularly those located near canals, rivers, or lakes, helping to raise awareness and prevent water-related incidents.
RNLI
RoSPA
RoSPA offers detailed guidance on a wide range of water-related risks, including advice on safety at home, open water swimming, watersports, and beach safety. Their focus is on prevention, with helpful tools like the Water Safety Code and ‘Float to Live’ tips.
Watch the Water Safety Code
We’re backing the Royal Lifesaving Society UK’s summer water safety campaign, so more people are aware of the simple steps they can take to stay safe in and around water.
We will always be here for families when they need us most, but we urge everyone to stay safe and follow the Water Safety Code.