People across Swansea are being urged to take care around water this summer as the council backs a national campaign to prevent avoidable tragedies.
With Drowning Prevention Week starting next week, Swansea Council is supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK and the RNLI in raising awareness of simple steps that can save lives.
The council’s water safety team has been working with young people across the city ahead of the summer months.
At the annual Crucial Crew event, Year 6 pupils took part in dedicated water safety sessions to help them stay safe around beaches, rivers and open water — focusing on recognising risks, making safer choices, and knowing what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty.
A drowning prevention workshop has also been shared with comprehensive schools for pupils in Years 9 and 10, reinforcing the messages with older students before the holidays.
Tracey McNulty, the council’s head of culture, parks and leisure, said: “With so many great beaches to choose from, spending time around water is a big part of summer in Swansea, but it’s vital that people understand the risks and know how to stay safe.
“Our teams are doing important work with young people to build that awareness early, but it’s just as important that everyone takes responsibility for their own safety.
“We’re asking residents and visitors to follow the Water Safety Code and remember the Float to Live advice if they get into difficulty. It could save your life or someone else’s.”
The council has installed water safety aids at key locations across the city — including on the River Tawe — providing lifesaving equipment where people may need it most.
Swansea’s Blue Flag beaches also benefit from RNLI lifeguard cover through the summer season.
The advice if you get into trouble in the water is simple: float on your back, keep calm and call for help.
More information about Drowning Prevention Week is available on the RLSS UK website.
