As the hot weather continues, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe when spending time in and around water, through various engagement events.
With rising temperatures, we are seeing more people head to the water to cool off — but higher heat means higher risk. Latest research tells us the risk of accidental drowning is five times higher when air temperature is 25 degrees or higher and every year, we see a tragic spike in drownings during hot weather.
According to latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) Water Incident Database, in 2024, 193 people in the UK lost their lives to accidental drowning. Recreational activities accounted for 54 per cent of accidental fatalities.
We want people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do should an emergency happen.
Susan Taylor, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Partnership and Engagement Manager and Water Safety Lead said:
“These events are a vital opportunity to raise awareness, share lifesaving advice and engage directly with our communities. By helping people understand the risks and how to stay safe, we can prevent tragedies and help people enjoy the water safely this summer.”
Supporting Drowning Prevention Week
During RLSS UK World Drowning Prevention Week 14-21 June 2025, we visited Gildredge House in Eastbourne, alongside Robbie Jones who tragically lost his Dad, Gareth Jones and their beloved family dog Connie, to the sea on 16 January 2021.
We delivered key water safety messages to students through our Water Savvy Water Safe WS2 education programme, to help keep people safe both in and around water.
A huge thank you to Robbie Jones for continuing to share his story to raise awareness and prevent future tragedies. You can find out more here: Robbie's Story | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Hove Water safety family fun event – 5 July
On Saturday 5 July we will be attending Hove Lawns 11.00am to 2.00pm for a Water Safety family fun event!
Feel free to come along and find out more about water safety and drowning prevention. We may also receive a visit from a fire engine!
Eastbourne 999 weekend – 12 and 13 July
We will be at Eastbourne 999 Weekend on 12 and 13 July at Western Lawns, Eastbourne.
Come down and show support for our amazing emergency services!
We will be offering plenty of water safety advice and lots more! A fun event for all the family with demonstrations, vehicles, home safety advice and lots more!
Find out more: 999 Display Weekend
‘Brighton Finds Its Float’ on World Drowning Prevention Day – 25 July
On 25 July, alongside the Brighton and Hove Coastal Forum, we will be attending Brighton Sea Lanes for a fantastic event ‘Brighton Finds Its Float’. The aim of the session is to teach and practice RNLI Float to live advice should attendees ever find themselves in trouble in the water.
You can find out more and book your space here: Brighton Finds Its Float Tickets, Fri 25 Jul 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Spaces are limited, so if you are unable to attend, please remember this FLOAT advice could save your life:
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Move your hands to help you stay afloat
- Spread your arms and legs to improve stability
More Water Safety advice
For more water safety advice from us, visit: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention ¦ East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
RNLI Find your nearest lifeguarded beach: Find Your Nearest RNLI Lifeguarded Beaches
RLSS Water Safety Code: The Water Safety Code | Royal Life Saving Society UK ( RLSS UK )
National Fire Chiefs Council: Be Water Aware - NFCC
