Moray Council supports Drowning Prevention Week 2026

To help local children and their families enjoy water safely, the team at Aberlour’s pool will give advice and guidance on water safety at swimming pools, rivers and at home throughout the awareness week, which runs 13-20 June. 

Classes will run as below at Speyside Sports and Community Centre with parents able to sign up by popping in to reception or calling 01340 871641: 

Monday 15 June Water Safety at the pool  

Tuesday 16 June Water Safety at the river 

Wednesday 17 June Water Safety at home 

Friday 19 June Water Safety for swimming lessons 

For over a decade, RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week has aimed to equip educators, teachers, parents, and carers of children with vital water safety knowledge ahead of the summer months, when drownings are most likely to occur. 

Over the last five years, 3,615 people have tragically drowned in the UK and Ireland. This year, Drowning Prevention Week is expanding to reach 13-17-year-olds, as recent data reveals that drowning deaths among this age group have increased 67% between 2020-2022 and 2023-2025.  

Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “We’re proud to support the RLSS UK’s campaign and encourage young people and their families to attend during Drowning Prevention Week and beyond to better equip themselves with the skills needed to stay safe in the water. 

“Given Moray has an extensive coastline and inland lochans, these sessions will give excellent advice on the Water Safety Code and assessing the dangers of water as well as understanding what to do in an emergency.” 

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, added: “We urge everyone to use RLSS UK’s free, accessible water safety resources to educate children and teens with critical information this June, to make sure everyone has a safe summer.” 

Visit RLSS UK’s website to access free water safety resources for children, parents, carers and educators: https://www.rlss.org.uk/dpw.