August 01, 2026 - 194 views
Emergency services and key partner organisations from across North Wales have joined forces in a renewed effort to improve water safety following a series of tragic incidents across the region.
Representatives from the emergency services, local authorities, HM Coastguard, the RNLI, Mountain Rescue and other organisations met at North Wales Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay on Thursday to discuss the recent rise in water-related deaths and identify ways to prevent further tragedies.
The meeting comes after nine people lost their lives in lakes, rivers and the sea across North Wales in recent weeks, prompting growing concern among emergency responders and local communities.
The discussion focused on improving collaboration between agencies, sharing expertise and strengthening education, prevention campaigns and public safety messaging to help reduce the number of incidents.
Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, Chair of the Outdoor Safety Partnership, said the recent deaths had been devastating.
"The nine recent deaths in our lakes, rivers and sea has been deeply concerning and our thoughts are with the families, friends and communities of those affected," he said.
"While many organisations are already working hard to promote water safety, by bringing partners together we can strengthen our collective approach.
"Yesterday's meeting marked an important first step. North Wales Police has facilitated this discussion because we recognise that preventing further tragedies requires a coordinated response.
"Partners have committed to continuing to work together to identify opportunities to improve education, prevention and safety messaging, with the shared aim of reducing the number of water-related incidents across North Wales."
With the summer holidays continuing and thousands of residents and visitors expected to spend time along the region's coastline, lakes and rivers, emergency services are reminding people that water can be dangerous even when it appears calm.
Hidden hazards such as cold water shock, strong currents and sudden drops in depth can quickly turn a day out into an emergency.
People planning activities near water are being urged to check weather and tide conditions, ensure they have the right equipment, supervise children closely and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The meeting also reinforced the RNLI's Float to Live campaign, which advises anyone who unexpectedly falls into cold water to lean back, keep their ears submerged, relax and control their breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
Emergency services are also reminding members of the public never to enter the water to rescue someone in difficulty. Instead, they should call 999 immediately, asking for the Coastguard if the incident is at the coast or Fire and Rescue if it is inland, while throwing something that floats to help keep the casualty above the surface.
Chief Superintendent Llewellyn added: "We want everyone to enjoy everything North Wales has to offer and return home safely, so we are encouraging both residents and visitors to make safety a priority whenever they're enjoying the outdoors and to take a moment to think about how they can reduce the risks.
"Whether you're walking in the mountains, spending time on the coast, or visiting lakes and rivers, conditions can change quickly. Take time to plan ahead, check the weather and tide information, make sure you have the right equipment, and be realistic about your experience and abilities.
"Around water, be aware of the risks posed by strong currents and cold water shock and always keep a close eye on children.
"Everyone has a personal responsibility to make sensible decisions and look after themselves and those around them. By taking a few simple precautions, we can all help prevent avoidable incidents and ensure everyone can enjoy North Wales safely throughout the summer."
The meeting marks the start of what partners hope will be a more coordinated regional approach to water safety, combining education, prevention and joint working to help reduce the number of avoidable tragedies in North Wales.
