Towards zero drownings: building a future where everyone in Wales can be safe in, on and around the water: Wales’ Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026-2030

Water is at the heart of life in Wales. It shapes our nation, sustains our communities and provides important opportunities for recreation, wellbeing and prosperity. Sadly, every year lives are lost in preventable water-related incidents, leaving families and communities to carry the consequences of tragedy that too often could have been avoided.

I am pleased to support this strategy, that sets a shared ambition towards zero drownings in Wales. It means bringing together public services, schools, colleges, communities, charities and partners across Wales behind a shared mission to prevent avoidable deaths in, on and around water.

This strategy sets out a national framework to drive that work forward - Prevention must come first. Water safety is not an optional extra; it is a life skill. Alongside learning to swim, every child and every community should have the knowledge and confidence to understand risk and stay safe. This strategy provides a clear national framework to drive that work forward, strengthening education, improving prevention activity, improving awareness and targeting action where it is needed most, making sure we focus on those groups we know are at risk.

This is about the Wales we want to build: a country that values every life, acts early to prevent harm, and works together for the common good. By backing communities, supporting collaboration and taking a joined-up national approach, we can make our rivers, coasts, lakes and reservoirs safer for everyone.

Together, we can and will save lives.