A water burial using a floating urn offers a peaceful and symbolic way to scatter ashes in lakes, rivers, or the sea. This method is both gentle and environmentally respectful, providing a serene moment for reflection as the urn floats, drifts, and eventually sinks below the surface.
Floating urns are designed to dissolve naturally over time, making them ideal for families seeking a quiet yet powerful connection with nature during their farewell.
What Is a Floating Urn?
A floating urn is a biodegradable container crafted to stay afloat for several minutes before gradually submerging and dissolving. These urns:
- Are made from eco-friendly materials like paper, salt, or sand
- Often come in symbolic shapes like lotus flowers, hearts, spheres, or boats
- Allow for meaningful rituals such as releasing petals, messages, or singing songs before or after launch
They’re a popular choice for those scattering ashes off a boat, from a dock, or by the shoreline.
How Does a Water Burial Work?
1. Choose a Location
Select a suitable body of water such as:
- A calm lake or riverbank
- A quiet beach or sea cove
- A boat-accessible offshore area
Ensure local laws and environmental regulations allow scattering.
2. Prepare the Urn and Ashes
- Place ashes into the urn (some come pre-filled by funeral professionals)
- Personalise with flowers, notes, or biodegradable decorations
3. Use a Scatter Tube or Container:
- Hold a moment of silence or say a prayer
- Play music or read tributes
- Gently release the urn onto the water
- Watch as it floats briefly, drifts away, then sinks naturally
Some families also scatter flower petals or cast small pebbles as part of the ritual.
Legal and Environmental Considerations
In the UK and many other countries, water burials are allowed in oceans and some lakes/rivers, but you must:
- Use a biodegradable urn only
- Avoid plastic, synthetic decorations, or harmful additives
- Get permissions from local environmental agencies or marine authorities
- Stay a certain distance from the shore (typically 3 nautical miles at sea)
Professional services can help ensure compliance with maritime guidelines.
Personal Touches for a Water Farewell
- Write a goodbye note on dissolvable paper
- Bring petals from the loved one’s favourite flowers
- Sing a family song or play soft instrumentals
- Perform the release at sunrise or sunset for visual impact and quiet
Water has long been a symbol of transition, peace, and eternal flow — making this ceremony deeply spiritual for many.