With warmer weather drawing more children to the water, the importance of water safety has never been more visible.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, yet it is largely preventable through education, awareness, and practical skills.

Organisations have a vital role to play in tackling this issue — and one powerful way to do so is by delivering a Swim Safe programme.

What is Swim Safe?

Swim Safe is a structured initiative designed with Swim England and the RNLI to give participants the essential skills and knowledge to stay safe in, on, and around water.

Beyond simply learning how to swim, it focuses on survival techniques, risk awareness, and confidence-building — equipping individuals with the tools they need to make safer decisions in aquatic environments.

Why it matters

Many water-related incidents occur not because individuals cannot swim at all, but because they lack the skills to cope in unexpected or challenging conditions.

Cold water shock, rip currents or sudden immersion can quickly turn a day by the water into a potentially life-threatening situation. By addressing these realities, Swim Safe programmes help bridge the gap between basic swimming ability and true water competency.

For organisations — particularly those connected to sport, leisure, education, or community development — this creates an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

The role of OnBoard clubs

Swim Safe with OnBoard is the RYA’s adoption of the Swim Safe programme, using buoyancy aids, and is available for all RYA OnBoard clubs and centres to deliver.

Clubs and centres can sign up using the RYA Affiliation Portal and all the necessary training can be completed online. With a small network of Swim Safe with OnBoard Trainers, in-person training can also be arranged free of charge.

Running a Swim Safe with OnBoard programme allows an OnBoard club to actively contribute to public safety in several ways:

1. Building essential life skills

Participants not only learn about water safety advice but learn how to float, tread water and signal for help as well as gain experience using a buoyancy aid. These are skills that can save lives — not only their own, but potentially others’.

2. Raising awareness

Swim Safe sessions create a platform to talk openly about risks such as open water hazards, weather conditions and safe behaviours, helping to foster a culture of respect for the water.

3. Engaging the community

By offering accessible sessions, organisations can reach a wide audience including children, young people and families who may not otherwise receive formal water safety education. This strengthens community ties while promoting wellbeing.

4. Supporting national and local safety goals

Delivering Swim Safe aligns organisations with broader public health and safety strategies aimed at reducing drowning incidents. It demonstrates leadership and commitment to safeguarding communities.

5. Creating confident water users

Confidence is key in preventing panic, which is a major factor in water-related emergencies. Swim Safe helps individuals feel more in control, enabling them to enjoy activities safely.

Wider benefits

Beyond immediate safety outcomes, Swim Safe programmes contribute to:

• Improved physical health and wellbeing
• Increased participation in water-based activities
• Connect with schools and community groups
• Enhanced reputation as a socially responsible organisation

Making it happen

Implementing a Swim Safe with OnBoard programme does not have to be complex. With the right training, resources, and partnerships, organisations can integrate water safety into their existing activities. Collaborations with local authorities, governing bodies, or safety organisations can further enhance delivery and impact.

By running Swim Safe, your organisation can take a proactive step in protecting lives and empowering individuals with knowledge that stays with them forever —and every OnBoard club has the potential to make a difference.