Lincolnshire records highest number of accidental drownings in England
Water safety leaders say hot weather, open waterways and growing use of rivers and lakes are creating a “perfect storm”
Lincolnshire recorded the highest number of accidental drownings in England last year - with water safety leaders warning more people are underestimating the dangers of inland water during hot weather.
New figures from the National Water Safety Forum show eight people accidentally drowned in Lincolnshire in 2025, more than any other county in England.
The warning comes days after fifteen-year-old Declan Sawyer died after getting into difficulty at Swanholme Lakes near Lincoln on Sunday.
Adrian Mayhew, Director of National Operations and Safety at Surf Life Saving GB, says Lincolnshire’s geography and climate are both major factors behind the figures.
He said the county’s access to both coastline and inland waterways - combined with increasingly hot and dry weather - is contributing to a rise in incidents.
“We are seeing climate change having a massive impact on drowning stats,” he said.
“When we breach 24 degrees Celsius, drowning is four times more likely to happen than at other parts of the year.”
Mr Mayhew also said more people are now using rivers, lakes and reservoirs for activities like paddleboarding and open water swimming - but without always understanding the risks involved.
He warned cold water shock can affect even strong swimmers within minutes, particularly during warm weather when water temperatures remain dangerously low.
If someone gets into difficulty in the water, the Surf Life Saving GB is urging people to remember the advice “Float, Phone, Throw” - float on your back to control breathing, call 999, and throw something that can help without entering the water yourself.