GFRS supports the aims and objectives of the UK National Drowning Prevention Strategy and campaigns to raise awareness of the risk of accidental drowning and to provide safety advice for people using local rivers, lakes and canals for business, recreation and living. Gloucestershire has few accidental drownings each year but continues to work to reduce all preventable deaths. National data show accidental drowning deaths in the UK fluctuated between 193 and 273 per year from 2022–2024, with final 2025 figures not yet published: Gloucestershire-specific figures are not routinely released due to low numbers and data-suppression rules.
Inland-water drowning remains relevant to Gloucestershire due to the river, canal, and floodplain environment. Every year, we look to educate people on being water aware as 40% of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water. Males account for 80-85% of accidental drownings, particularly among ages 20-59; this is consistently linked to higher exposure to alcohol and drug consumption, and risk-taking behaviours around water. Every year, we look to educate people on being water aware as 40% of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water.
Every year, we look to educate people on being water aware as 40% of people who accidentally drowned had no intention of entering the water.
Education about water safety takes place in SkillZONE for children of school age. Operational crews and the community safety team take part in summer campaigns, working in collaboration where possible, and the campaign messaging is shared across social media, press, television and radio with professional support from the communications team.