The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is running its annual Be Water Aware campaign from 28 April to 4 May 2025, supported by fire and rescue services across the UK, to raise awareness of the everyday risks around water and reduce the number of lives lost to accidental drowning each year1. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) marked the campaign by setting out its support alongside new water rescue equipment, announced on 30 April 20252.
According to the latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum's Water Incident Database, 273 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning in 2023. Around 40 per cent of those people had no intention of entering the water, with these drownings often the result of slips, trips and falls, and the majority occur in inland waters such as rivers and canals1. The NFCC says unseen hazards and cold-water shock can mean even strong swimmers get into trouble1.
SFRS has acquired two Zodiac ERB 400 powered rescue boats and three Extreme Sleds from Ionic Rescue. The service describes the boats as lightweight, high-performance vessels designed for swift deployment and manoeuvrability in challenging water conditions, and the sleds as durable inflatable sleds built for rapid deployment in demanding environments, including fast-moving water and mud or soft ground rescue operations. It has also introduced a dedicated water rescue vehicle, co-designed by its fleet technicians and users, to support the mobilisation of the new equipment, and maintains older Zodiac rescue boats and Ionic Extreme Sleds for training purposes, which can also be used in real-life emergency incidents2.
"Many people don't realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day - can end in tragedy."
The NFCC's safety tips include sticking to proper pathways and staying clear of the water's edge, not entering the water after drinking alcohol, walking a safe route home after drinking with friends and away from water, and walking into the water rather than jumping in to help reduce the risk of cold water shock1. SFRS lists further tips: never swim alone, check weather conditions before entering the water, avoid alcohol before swimming, always supervise children near water, be aware of hidden dangers such as strong currents or submerged objects, and pay attention to safety signage near water2. For anyone in trouble in the water, the NFCC advises the public to stay calm, stay on land and remember Call, Tell, Throw: call 999 for the emergency services, tell the struggling person to float on their back, and throw them something that floats1. If you find yourself in trouble, the NFCC's Float to Live guidance is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and breathe normally, move your hands to help stay afloat, spread your arms and legs out, and once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety1.
Following two recent rescues, SFRS is also urging people planning to head out on boats during the warmer weather to check tidal times and weather patterns in advance. It says it is vital to carry sufficient supplies, including drinking water, lifejackets, communication devices and fuel if applicable, and that conditions on the water can change rapidly2.
Why it matters for households
The campaign runs into the start of May, as warmer weather begins and incidents of drowning tend to increase2. The NFCC says most accidental drownings happen in inland waters such as rivers and canals, and that around 40 per cent of those who died in 2023 had no intention of entering the water1. Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public protection, Councillor Steve Wiles, said the county's waterways can pose a significant risk to safety, increasing substantially during warm weather when people are more drawn to coastal and inland swimming, and urged everyone to share water safety tips with friends and families2. The NFCC directs people to #BeWaterAware on social media and its campaign page for more information1.
What happens next
The campaign closes on 4 May 20252. No further dates have been reported. Households wanting to keep up with official warnings and campaign information can use the site's staying-informed hub.
Sources (2)
- Be Water Aware 2025: Staying Safe Around Water Still as Crucial as Ever - NFCC, nfcc.org.uk
- suffolk.gov.uk, suffolk.gov.uk
