In a record-breaking year for the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs), The Deep are thrilled to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Remarkable Tourism Event of the Year’ category for H₂O Heroes.
The REYTAs recognise excellence across the tourism sector and have become one of Hull and East Yorkshire’s most prestigious business awards programmes. 2026 is the first year that the public has the chance to be a part of the process and vote for their winner.
Marked as the UK’s biggest family water safety festival, powered by partnerships, H₂O Heroes at The Deep spotlighted an exciting collaboration between major rescue and response teams RNLI, HM Coastguard, Humber Rescue, Humberside Police Marine Protect Unit, and new for 2026- Hornsea Inshore Rescue and Humberside Fire & Rescue.
Now in its fourth year, the event showcases a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet numerous real-life heroes face-to-face, inspire future careers and uncover more about their incredible work saving lives at sea. Visitors attending enjoy photo opportunities, kit dress up, outdoor vehicle and boat displays, hands-on activities, daily presentations and much more on offer.
To date, the event has engaged over 70,000 families on staying safe at the beach, at a pivotal time ahead of the summer holidays. H₂O Heroes is particularly impactful as it blends vital safety education with family fun at a time of year when taking caution around bodies of water is significantly emphasised. This event, a firm favourite with Crew, partners and visitors alike, is now cemented in The Deep’s events calendar for years to come.
Tom Birchall, Senior Coastal Operations Officer (Humber & Lincolnshire) at HM Coastguard, said: “HM Coastguard is proud to support the H₂O Heroes weekend, an outstanding event that brings together partner agencies and communities to promote vital water safety messages.
“Through engaging activities and education, H₂O Heroes helps families understand the risks associated with the coast, rivers, lakes and open water, while providing simple steps that can save lives.
“Working alongside our partners, we are committed to raising awareness, encouraging safer behaviours around water, and helping people enjoy the coast and waterways safely. We are delighted to see H₂O Heroes recognised through the REYTAs and wish the event every success in the public vote.”
Michelle Emmerson, Prevention and Development Manager at Humberside Fire & Rescue, said: “It was fantastic to be part of H₂O Heroes and have the opportunity to engage with the community on such an important topic.
Through water safety education and awareness, we can help people recognise risks, make safer choices, and reduce the number of water-related incidents across our communities.”
Katy Duke, Chief Executive Officer at The Deep, said: “Being shortlisted as a finalist in the REYTAs is a fantastic achievement, one which really does reflect the power of partnership in creating memorable and lasting impact for visitors.
“H₂O Heroes highlights the power of working together to bring such an important topic to life in a way that engages and empowers people to stay safe. We are delighted to work with such inspiring partners each year.
“We’re also truly thankful for the support of all our visitors and would love your help by voting for H₂O Heroes in the REYTAs.”
Votes can be casted online via the Visit Hull & East Yorkshire website, with the deadline set at midnight on Wednesday 14th October 2026.