London Fire Brigade is urging caution around water over the summer holidays, as new figures reveal accidental drownings have spiked in the past two years.
So far this year, between 1 January and 14 July 2025, crews have attended 15 accidental fatal drownings, which is nearly four times more than the number recorded in the same period ten years ago, which saw just four. In 2024, there were sadly 16 accidental drownings recorded, which was the highest number in over a decade.
In total, the Brigade has responded to over 380 water-related incidents across the city in 2025 alone, which is an increase of around 29 per cent on last year. A significant proportion of these involved children and teenagers, with firefighters called to emergencies including:
- Children jumping into locks and rivers
- Individuals stuck in mud
- People cut off by fast-moving tides
- Rescues involving pets, particularly dogs, in distress in the water
To mark World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), the Brigade hosted a community engagement event at Hampton Court Palace, where firefighters showcased life-saving water rescue techniques. Local crews were joined by colleagues from one of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service’s water rescue units, London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police Service, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Members of the public had the opportunity to learn how to use rescue equipment, such as throwlines, to help pull people to safety from the water. Onshore, crews worked with families to practice these essential skills and shared vital water safety advice with both children and adults.
Throwlines are available at many key locations along London’s waterways, giving the public quick access to life-saving equipment to help with rescues. In an emergency, callers should dial 999 and quote the What3Words code displayed on the throwline station. This allows Control Officers to pinpoint their exact location. They’ll then provide the lock code to access the throwline and guide the caller through how to use it, while mobilising London Fire Brigade water rescue teams to the scene.
Crews in the borough of Tower Hamlets have also been carrying out water rescue training in the lead-up to World Drowning Prevention Day, including a drill at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre with specialist teams from across the borough. Also today, firefighters were joined by the Brigade's Cadets and the public for a water safety event at Alexandra Park boating lake. All of the Brigade’s fire engines are equipped with essential water rescue equipment, and this is supported by specialist units, fire boats, inflatable rescue boats, and drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras to help locate and rescue people in the water.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection Pam Oparaocha said: “We’re seeing a concerning rise in accidental drownings across London, with the number of people who have sadly lost their lives in the water at the highest levels in over a decade.
“While the hot weather may tempt people to cool off in rivers and lakes, many are unaware of the very real and immediate dangers of open water. Even in hot weather, most inland water in London remains below 16°C, which can cause cold water shock and lead to drowning.
“We want to be clear: open water is unpredictable. Strong currents, hidden debris, slippery edges, and sudden drops in depth can all prove fatal.
“If you are planning to swim outdoors, do so only in designated areas where lifeguards are present and safety equipment is on hand. And if you do get into trouble, remember the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice: tilt your head back with your ears submerged, try to relax and control your breathing, and use gentle movements to stay afloat.
“If you see someone else in difficulty, don’t enter the water yourself. Call 999 and try to throw them something that floats.”
The Brigade continues to work in close partnership with organisations like the RNLI and other emergency services to spread awareness and equip communities with the tools they need to stay safe around water.
Matt Allchurch, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Teddington RNLI, added: "World Drowning Prevention Day provides an opportunity to highlight the dangers that exist in our offshore and inland waters.
"The water always seems inviting when summer is here, but it hides currents, obstacles and tides that can cause harm and catch people off-guard. This is also true for our rivers and lakes, including the Thames.
"Always treat the water with respect, be properly prepared, tell someone where you are going and carry a means of communication. Most importantly make sure that you and your loved ones are familiar with how to Float to Live."
Gary Bryant, Borough Commander and Water Rescue Lead, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said: “We’re joining forces with our emergency service partners to mark World Drowning Prevention Day and raise awareness of essential water safety skills.
“Drowning can happen quickly and silently — often in just seconds. That’s why events like this are so important for educating the public on simple, life-saving techniques.
“Whether it’s learning how to use a throwline or understanding the dangers of cold-water shock, along with techniques to help to combat this, everyone has a role to play in preventing drowning.”