Spike in accidental drownings leads to safety calls as temperatures soar

People have been urged to take care around the water, especially during the current spell of warm weather. Picture: PA | PA

A spike in accidental drowning deaths in Scotland has led to renewed warnings for people to take precautions around water, with the vast majority of incidents taking place during recreational activities such as swimming or boating.

Newly published data shows there were 39 accidental water related deaths in 2025, an increase of nearly 15 per cent on the number of fatalities the previous year.

Despite perceptions that the issue is a predominantly coastal problem, the figures, collated by Water Safety Scotland and the National Water Safety Forum, indicate that the majority (55 per cent) of accidental drowning deaths occurred at inland locations, such as rivers, lochs, reservoirs, and canals.

With much of Scotland currently basking in unseasonably warm temperatures, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) pointed out that periods of hot weather often correlate with a rise in accidental drownings, and urged people to take care.

People have been urged to take care around the water, especially during the current spell of warm weather. Picture: PA | PA

It said that despite a warmer than average spring, open water temperatures in Scotland remained “dangerously cold,” with inland bodies and the sea often under 16C - the temperature at which water is considered hazardous for cold water shock.

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The data shows that 84 per cent of accidental fatalities last year were male, with men aged 60 to 69 most at risk. Two of the accidental fatality reports noted the presence of drugs or alcohol.

Argyll and Bute and the Highland local authority area saw the largest number of accidental drownings, with six apiece, while there were four drownings in each of Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Glasgow, and West Dunbartonshire.

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Although the latest death data represents a year-on-year increase, the 2025 number is down 22 per cent compared to baseline set by Scotland’s drowning prevention strategy in 2018.

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland and head of policy at RoSPA, said: “Every drowning is a tragedy, and every statistic represents not only a life lost, but a family and community devastated.

Kirsten Oswald, the minister for victims and community safety, expressed concern at the figures. Picture: PA | PA

“With another warm summer on the horizon, it’s essential that people take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe around water - a few short minutes of preparation could be lifesaving.”

Read more: New measures announced following tragic water-related deaths in Scotland

Water Safety Scotland has urged people to enjoy the water safely by remembering Scotland’s three step water safety code, which involves stopping to think and spot the dangers, stay together and close, and to call 999 in an emergency.

It is also promoting Phone Float Throw, a new public-facing water safety campaign that provides bystanders witnessing someone struggling in the water with practical instructions for how to help.

Kirsten Oswald, the minister for victims and community safety, said: “My thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones in drowning incidents. Whilst I welcome an overall reduction of 22 per cent in accidental drownings since Scotland’s drowning prevention strategy was launched in 2018, it is concerning that the latest data shows a slight increase compared to the previous year.

“During warm weather, when more people are drawn to the water, it’s important to carefully consider the risks and the body of water, stay with others, and in an emergency, call 999.”