The UK is currently experiencing periods of extreme hot weather, resulting in a significant increase in visitor numbers to coastal areas and inland waterways. When air temperatures reach 25C or above the risks of drowning increases significantly. It is therefore important that residents and visitors are reminded of key safety messages, including supervising children around water, and understanding the risks associated with open water swimming and other water-based activities.
The Essex Water Safety Forum is calling on individuals, local businesses, and organisations to support the RNLI Water Safety Ambassador Scheme — a vital initiative aimed at promoting water safety and saving lives across our county.
Is your business or organisation located near water? Do you spend time on or near areas of water? If so, you could help save lives by signing up to the RNLI Water Safety Local Ambassadors scheme and promoting key water safety messaging. You’ll receive information and resources to share with customers, members of the public, friends and family – whether it’s via a conversation, a poster on display, or on social media. You can help champion water safety and raise greater awareness within your local community.
To find out more and sign up please visit the RNLI website Become a local ambassador sharing Water Safety advice.
Why it matters:
- Essex has one of the longest coastlines in the UK, making water safety a year-round priority.
- The RNLI Local Ambassador Scheme provides resources and training to help spread life-saving messages.
What you can do:
- Sign up to the RNLI Water Safety Ambassador Scheme.
- Share water safety messages in your communications.
- Encourage colleagues and partners to get involved.
Let’s work together to make Essex safer for everyone — on the coast, by the rivers, and around our lakes.
Published: 12 July 2026
