Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Mandate availability of basic water safety equipment at all open water locations

Open for signatures 67 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to mandate by law the availability of basic safety equipment such as life rings and whistles at open water locations, irrespective of ongoing swimming bans that may be in effect at those locations.
Recent events have shown that members of the public want access to, and will continue to use, swim sites such as reservoirs despite bans. We believe that, irrespective of the swim bans in order, basic lifesaving equipment such as life rings should be available to reduce loss of life. This is common practice in a number of other European nations and showcases the need to prioritise practical safety over unenforceable guidance. We also believe that safety measures should be accompanied by signage reiterating dangers.

Timeline

25 Jun 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 67
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 25 Jun 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.