Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Health and Recreation Department
World Drowning Prevention Day 2026
Sat 25th July | 12.00pm – 4.00pm | South Lake Watersports, Craigavon
Every year on 25 July, communities around the world come together to mark World Drowning Prevention Day—a global awareness campaign established by the United Nations in 2021 to highlight the devastating impact of drowning and promote simple, life-saving prevention measures.
Come along to South Lake Watersports at Craigavon Lakes for a FREE fun, interactive day dedicated to raising awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. From drop-in demonstrations, talks and family fun to pre-bookable workshops and live participatory sessions, visitors can choose from a wide range of free activities.
Bookable Free Float to Live Taster Sessions
FIND YOUR FLOAT - AQUA PARK SESSIONS
Find Your Float & Aqua Inflatable Sessions
Saturday 25th July: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Each session will consist of learning how to Float to Live [10 mins] plus a session on the Aqua Park [30 mins]
Suitable for 10 – 18 yr olds who can swim 25 mtrs unaided
Wetsuits are required and will be provided on the day.
Please select one session [16 places per group]
Please arrive 30 mins before your session starts to allow for changing into a wetsuit.
12:00pm -12:45pm
1:00pm – 1:45pm
2:00pm – 2:45pm
3:00pm – 3:45pm
ADULT GET WET STAY SAFE SESSIONS WITH SWIM ULSTER
Swim Ulster in partnership with Sport NI, Swim Ireland, and South Lake Watersports invite you to take part in this FREE Get Wet Stay Safe session being held at Craigavon Lakes. The details are as follows:
Date: Saturday 25th July
Times: 12pm to 1pm | 2pm – 3pm
Venue: South Lake Watersports
The session will provide the following topics and skills:
- Land Based Water Based
- Dynamic risk assessing Entries
- Water safety code Cold water acclimisation
- Flags & Signage Flotation, rotations & orientation
- Equipment suggestions Treading water
- Planning your post swim recovery Float to live position & emergency signalling
- Cold water shock/hypothermia Introduction to sighting
- Wind, waves, tide & currents Exits & implementing your post recovery plan
Pre-requisties: Be over 18yrs of age and be able to swim
Equipment: Wetsuits are NOT mandatory, but the water will be cold so we recommend that a wetsuit is worn if you have one.
A tow float will be supplied to use during the session.
A swim hat is provided to use during the session and yours to keep.
*If after you have registered, you then are unable to attend please email with your details, so we can offer this FREE place to someone else.
Free Drop-In Sessions
Learn Lifesaving Skills
Drop-in CPR demonstrations – Learn the basics of CPR and discover how you could help save a life with some of our swimming instructors and members of Dots Swimming & Open Water Club / Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers
Float to Live experience with the RNLI and LNR – Find out how this simple technique can help you survive if you unexpectedly enter the water.
Ice Bucket Challenge – Experience the shock of cold water by placing your hand in an ice bucket while learning about the dangers of cold-water immersion.
Get Active
Seahorse Model Boat Club ‘Have a Go’ and Display with Seahorse Model Boat Club.
Rope Throwing Challenge with South Lake Paddlers – Test your rescue skills by aiming for the target on Craigavon Lakes.
Pico sailing boat and canoe demonstrations– Watch expert demonstrations and enter the raffle for your chance to win!
Meet the Water Safety Experts
Speak to the organisations working together to keep our communities safe:
RNLI and Lough Neagh Rescue– Learn about their lifesaving work.
PSNI – Discover their role in promoting water safety.
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service – Step aboard an emergency vehicle and chat to the crew about their vital role in responding to emergencies.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service– Meet the firefighters, learn about water rescue, and explore a fire engine.
Sky Watch NI – View their specialist vehicle and find out how they support water safety operations.
Family Fun
Water Safety Trail
Colouring activities for younger visitors.
Bounce NI attractions, including:
-
- Paddle Pool & Inflatable
- Sea-Themed Photo Frame
- Face Painting
- Hook-a-Duck
Food & Refreshments
Enjoy delicious water-themed treats from Café IncredABLE throughout the day.
Drowning claims an estimated 236,000 lives every year, making it one of the world’s leading causes of preventable death. It is also among the top ten causes of death for children aged 5–14. The vast majority of these tragedies occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage containers, and swimming pools. Children and young people living in rural communities are especially at risk.
Thanks to our partners for helping us raise awareness – RNLI, Seahorse Model Boat Club, PSNI, Lough Neagh Rescue, Swim Ulster, NIFRS, Skywatch NI, Ambulance Service, Lough Neagh Dunkers, South Lake Paddlers, Bounce NI, and Cafe IncredABLE at South Lake.
Teaching water safety skills, and supporting proven prevention measures, we can help save lives and ensure more people can enjoy water safely.
SUMMER WATER SAFETY VIDEO
FLOAT TO LIVE
A Day to Learn, Play and Stay Safe
Whether you’re looking to gain lifesaving knowledge, enjoy hands-on activities, or simply spend a great day out with the family, there’s something for everyone. Join us as we mark South Lake Water Drowning Prevention Day and help spread the message that everyone has a role to play in preventing drowning.
Free to attend – everyone is welcome!