Bluestone National Park Resort is helping children and families across Pembrokeshire stay safe around water this summer as new figures highlight the ongoing risk of accidental drowning.

Across the UK, 19 people lost their lives in accidental drowning incidents during the warm weather experienced in May alone, 13 of those under 18, highlighting the increased risks that can accompany rising temperatures and more time spent around water.

The initiative comes during RLSS UK's Drowning Prevention Week (15–22 June), a national campaign designed to equip children and young people with essential water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills ahead of the summer holidays.

Recent figures from the National Water Safety Forum reveal there were 12 accidental drowning fatalities in Wales in 2025, with more than half (55%) occurring in inland waters. The majority of incidents (82%) happened during recreational activities, while three quarters (75%) of those who lost their lives were male.

Over the past six years, there have been 148 accidental drowning deaths in Wales, with May and June consistently among the most common months for incidents across the UK.

In response, Bluestone's Blue Lagoon team is taking its water safety programme into primary schools across Pembrokeshire during Drowning Prevention Week for the fourth consecutive year.

Throughout the week, they will aim to reach more than 1,000 pupils through a series of engaging and practical workshops.

The workshops will teach children how to recognise potential dangers around water, what to do if someone gets into difficulty, how to call for help in an emergency, and how to identify beach safety flags when visiting the coast.

The campaign will also extend beyond schools, with Blue Lagoon staff raising awareness amongst the general public at McDonald's Milford Haven on Saturday 21 June and McDonald's Haverfordwest on Sunday 22 June.

Ruth Watson, Swimming Teacher at Blue Lagoon said: "We are proud to be supporting Drowning Prevention Week once again and taking these important messages directly into our local communities. The recent increase in drowning incidents during periods of warm weather is a stark reminder that water can be dangerous, even when people are simply out enjoying themselves.

"By teaching children and their families simple but potentially life saving skills, we hope to build confidence, raise awareness of the risks associated with open water, and ultimately help prevent tragedies from happening. Everyone deserves to enjoy the water safely.”

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at RLSS UK, said: “As the weather warms up this summer, we want everyone to be safe in, on and around water. We appreciate Bluestone’s support for RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week and their help to provide children in Wales with water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills.

“It’s vital to have water safety conversations, including how to follow the Water Safety Code, with children and teens now before the holidays begin. Together we can help save lives.”

With the summer holidays approaching and many families preparing visits to beaches, rivers, lakes and swimming pools, the campaign aims to ensure more people have the knowledge and confidence to stay safe around water.