Drowning Prevention Week 13-20 June 2026.

Young people are outdoors more during this time and need these skills and knowledge, so everyone can enjoy water safely.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) exists to prevent drowning and support everyone to enjoy water safely

This year's campaign features a critical expansion: a sharp focus on teenagers (aged 13–17), a demographic that has seen a tragic 67% increase in drowning fatalities in recent years. Key message for teens is to #BeAMate and speak up when friends are taking deadly risks around water.

Drowning is preventable.

"Phone, Float, Throw" Strategy

Alongside the traditional Water Safety Code (Stop and Think, Stay Together, Call 999, Float) we are educating our communities on a vital update to bystander safety:  "Phone, Float, Throw" Warning witnesses never to enter the water themselves:

1. PHONE: Call 999 immediately.
2. FLOAT: Shout to the person in trouble to stay calm and float on their back.
3. THROW: Locate and throw rescue equipment.

We want to highlight the hidden dangers of Cold-Water Shock. We want to warn families that even on hot summer days, UK inland waters rarely rise above 15°C, which can instantly trigger an involuntary gasp and panic in even strong swimmers.

Find out more: www.rlss.org.uk/drowning-prevention-week

Free Taster Sessions and 20% Off Swimming Lessons

To ensure these vital safety messages reach as many families as possible, we are offering a 20% discount on swimming lessons from Saturday 13 - Saturday 27 June for both new sign-ups and top-ups. We are also hosting free taster and float to live sessions.

Free Taster Sessions Timetable

Dimensions Leisure Centre

• Date: Saturday 20 June
• Requirement: An adult is required in the water with the child at all times.
• 4:15-4:45pm: Ages 3-4 (New Swimmers)
• 4:45-5:15pm: Ages 3-4 (Confident Swimmers)
• 5:15-5:45pm: Ages 5+ (New Swimmers)
• 5:45-6:15pm: Ages 5+ (Confident Swimmers)

Fenton Manor Sports Complex 'Float to Live' Sessions

• Saturday 13 June
  • 4:30-5pm (Ages 8-10)
  • 5-5:30pm (Ages 11-16)
• Sunday 14 June
  • 2.45-3.15pm (Ages 5-7)
  • 4-4.30pm (Ages 8-10)
• Saturday 20 June
  • 4.30-5pm (Ages 5-7)
  • 5-5.30pm (Ages 8-10)
• Sunday 21 June
  • 1.30-2pm (Ages 5-7)
  • 2-2.30pm (Ages 8-10)
  • 4-4.30pm (Ages 11-16)

To book you place please call the centre or email:

Dimensions Leisure Centre | 01782 233500 | dimensions@stoke.gov.uk

Fenton Manor Sports Complex | 01782 233222 | fenton.manor@stoke.gov.uk

Colouring Competition

We’ll also be running a colouring competition to win a course of FREE SWIMMING LESSONS -  Follow our social pages and keep an eye out in centres to find out more!

Fenton Manor Facebook Page

Dimensions Lesiure Centre Facebook Page

Free Water Safety Resources for Parents

To support you, RLSS UK have developed a range of free resources that make learning about water safety easy and fun for your family. Drowning Prevention Week: Resources for Families | Royal Life Saving Society UK ( RLSS UK )

By joining Drowning Prevention Week, you’re taking a vital step in imparting essential information to ensure your family’s safety. Let’s work together to make water safety a priority for every family.

For more information about the Actove Stoke swimming service, please visit: Swimming – Active Stoke Leisure