This is not a coincidence. It is very deliberate. And it is one of the most important things we can do to keep paddlers, families and communities safer on the water.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes, and why consistency matters more than ever.

One clear message saves lives

When people are out on the water, they do not need ten versions of the same advice. They need one message that is simple enough to remember, repeat and act on. That is why we work closely with the four nations and the RNLI to align wording, visuals and guidance so that paddlers, swimmers, walkers and families hear the same messages wherever they go. Whether someone is paddling on Llyn Tegid, swimming off Tenby, or exploring a canal in Cardiff, the core principles stay exactly the same.

Clarity builds confidence. Consistency saves lives.

How alignment actually works behind the scenes

Partner alignment is not a one‑off meeting. It is an ongoing process that involves:

Sharing data and trends

We compare incident data, weather‑related risks, seasonal patterns and case studies across all four nations and the RNLI. This helps us understand where misunderstandings or risky behaviours are happening, so we can tailor messages that truly make a difference.

Agreeing consistent wording

You will often see the same phrasing used in our posts that you see from the RNLI or from Paddle UK. That is intentional. When a message is repeated in the same way across multiple trusted voices, people recognise it, remember it and follow it.

Aligning graphic styles and symbols

Many of the infographics we share are co‑developed across the four nations. Using the same icons, colours and layout means a message about checking wind speed or wearing a buoyancy aid is instantly recognisable, no matter who posts it.

Avoiding contradictions

A major reason for alignment is to make sure paddlers never see conflicting advice. Confusion costs time. Time costs lives. So behind the scenes, teams across the UK compare guidance to ensure it all points in the same direction.

Why it matters for Wales

Wales has a unique mix of coastlines, estuaries, rivers, canals and inland lakes. Add in fast‑changing weather and rising participation in SUP, kayaking and open water swimming, and the need for clear safety messaging becomes even more urgent.

By aligning with the RNLI and the four nations, Paddle Cymru can:

• Reach more people - When every organisation shares the same safety messages, they travel faster and further.
• Support clubs, providers and coaches - Everyone can confidently pass on guidance knowing it is nationally agreed and up to date.
• Protect new paddlers - Many newcomers don’t know which organisation to trust yet. Consistent messaging removes uncertainty and gives them a single, reliable safety baseline.
• Strengthen public trust - When national bodies speak with one voice, the public is far more likely to follow the advice.

Examples of aligned safety messages you’ll recognise. Here are some of the messages we all deliver together:

• Check the weather and wind before you go
• Wear a buoyancy aid every time
• Stay with your board if you fall in
• Tell someone where you are going
• Know your limits and plan for your group, not just yourself
• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in a coastal emergency, or Fire and Rescue inland

These aren’t just slogans. They are the result of years of shared research, incident analysis, expert discussion and agreement between safety professionals across the UK.

The #PaddleSafe campaign

Across Wales you’ll see our joint #PaddleSafe messaging, which is part of a four‑nations project to standardise paddlesport safety. The campaign draws on:

• RNLI expertise in coastal rescue
• Paddle UK technical knowledge
• Local evidence from Paddle Cymru
• Best practice from coaches and safety specialists

By combining all of this, #PaddleSafe creates one unified safety foundation from first‑time paddlers to experienced leaders.

What this means for you as a paddler

• It means you can trust the guidance.
• It means you will see the same advice repeated wherever you look.
• And it means that when you talk to friends, family or club members about staying safe, you are echoing guidance that is nationally agreed and backed by evidence.

Consistency gives you confidence. Confidence keeps you safe.

What this means for clubs and instructors

It allows you to:

• Deliver sessions using nationally aligned guidance
• Base all safety briefings on agreed UK‑wide principles
• Share infographics and videos that match RNLI and national messaging
• Train new paddlers in a way that builds long‑term safety habits

Every club, centre or school becomes part of a wider safety network simply by sharing the same messages.

And finally… why alignment will only get stronger

Water safety challenges are changing: more people on the water, changing weather patterns, increased SUP participation, and evolving risks. This makes collaboration essential.

Paddle Cymru will continue working closely with the RNLI, the four nations, Adventure Smart, HM Coastguard and other partners to refine, improve and unify safety messages so that every paddler in Wales gets the best possible chance of a safe, enjoyable day on the water.

Useful Links

• RNLI Water Safety - https://rnli.org/safety 
• Paddle UK – Awards & Qualifications - https://paddleuk.org.uk/awards-and-qualifications/
• Paddle UK – Safety & PaddleSafe - https://paddleuk.org.uk/safety
• British Canoeing Awarding Body – Qualifications & Awards - https://britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/
• Paddle Cymru – Safety Hub - https://www.paddlecymru.org.uk/safety