27 July 2026

New findings from the most recent Watersports Participation Survey (based on 2025 participation) show that watersports and coastal activities remain a vital part of active outdoor lifestyles across the UK, supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection and people’s relationship with the natural environment.

Interest in future watersports participation is high, with 80% of respondents saying that they would like to take part in the future, predominantly spending leisure time at the beach, coastal walking or outdoor swimming.

Key trends at a glance (based on 2025 participation) 
 

• 77% of UK adults surveyed participated in at least one watersport or coastal activity in 2025.
• Paddlesports participation increased to 24%, up from 18% in 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing areas of participation.
• Outdoor swimming reached its highest recorded participation levels.
• Sailing participation rose to 13%.
• Manual watersports increased to 27%.
• 82% of 16 to 34-year-olds participated in watersports or coastal activities, the highest of any age group.
• Four in five adults said they would like to participate in watersports more often.
• Recognition of key emergency advice is improving, with formal training strongly linked to safer behaviour on the water.

More than three-quarters of UK adults surveyed said they had taken part in at least one watersport or coastal activity during the past year, with participation continuing to grow across a wide range of activities including paddlesports, outdoor swimming, sailing, manual watersports and angling.

The survey highlights the important role that being on, in or near the water plays in people’s lives. Participants consistently cited relaxation, enjoyment, spending time in nature and connecting with friends and family as key reasons for taking part.

Most activities also take place close to home, using local beaches, rivers, lakes and coastal areas. The majority of participants take part with friends or family, underlining the social value of watersports and the role they can play in helping people connect with each other, their communities and their local environments.

One of the standout trends in 2025 is the continued growth of paddlesports. 

Participation in canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding has increased from 18% in 2023 to 24% in 2025, making paddlesports one of the fastest-growing areas of participation. Paddleboards have also become the most commonly owned type of watercraft, reflecting their accessibility and growing appeal to new and returning participants.

Outdoor swimming has also continued its rapid growth, reaching its highest recorded participation levels. The activity has benefited from increasing public interest in wellbeing, outdoor recreation and year-round engagement with blue spaces, with many participants valuing the physical and mental health benefits of swimming outdoors.

Sailing participation has also risen, with 13% of adults taking part in 2025. The survey points to the continued appeal of sailing across different age groups and communities, supported by formal training, clubs and local opportunities to get involved.

The findings also show growth across manual watersports and angling, demonstrating the breadth of ways people are choosing to enjoy the water. From structured club environments to informal local activity, the survey reflects a diverse and evolving participation landscape.

Young adults remain the most active demographic, with 82% of 16 to 34-year-olds interviewed participating in watersports or coastal activities. This age group also expressed the strongest desire to do more in the future, suggesting significant opportunities to support the next generation of participants through accessible, affordable and beginner-friendly activities.

Despite strong participation levels, demand remains higher still. Four in five adults said they would like to take part in watersports more often than they currently do, pointing to the importance of local provision, affordable opportunities, inclusive activity and clear pathways for people who want to get started or build their confidence.

Water safety

As participation continues to grow, the survey also highlights the importance of water safety knowledge, training and trusted advice. More than half of participants said they had received formal training, rising to 68% among sailing participants. Recognition of key emergency advice appears to be improving, while the RNLI remains the most commonly recognised source of safety information.

Nearly one in ten participants reported experiencing difficulty in open water, an increase since 2023, reinforcing the need for continued safety education as more people take to the water in different ways and settings.

The findings show a strong link between formal training and safer behaviours, with trained participants more likely to recognise key safety advice and feel confident taking part. This underlines the important role played by clubs, training providers, national governing bodies, charities and local organisations in helping people enjoy watersports safely and responsibly.

The 2025 Watersports Participation Survey demonstrates that watersports are delivering far more than recreation alone. They are supporting healthier lifestyles, stronger communities and a deeper connection with the UK’s waterways and coastlines.

With participation continuing to rise, the opportunity now is to ensure more people can access the benefits of being on, in and near the water safely, confidently and sustainably.

 

View the findings of the Watersports Participation Survey 2025 here:

https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/shared-files/british-canoeing-central-documents/WSPS-2025-Exec-summary_external.pdf 

 

The Watersports Participation Consortium is made up of the following organisations:

• British Marine
• CEFAS
• Paddle UK
• RNLI
• RYA