Thousands of children learn lifesaving water safety skills

Working closely with local schools, Diss Swim School Co-ordinator Lindsey Chapman has visited 13 schools, delivering engaging assemblies and interactive talks to help children understand how to stay safe in and around water. In addition, she has shared essential water safety advice with around 1,000 children who attend the centre’s swim school or have used the pool during the summer term. Many more children are set to benefit over the summer, with water safety sessions planned as part of the Council's Kids Camps held in Wymondham and Long Stratton Leisure Centres.

The initiative comes at an important time, with warmer weather encouraging more families to spend time near rivers, lakes, beaches and other open water locations.

Lindsey said:

It's been fantastic to meet so many children and help them understand how to stay safe around water. Learning to swim is important, but knowing how to recognise danger, make safe choices and what to do in an emergency can save lives. With more children taking part in our summer activities, we're hoping to reach even more young people with these important messages."

The importance of water safety education is highlighted by national figures from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), which estimates that nearly 90% of child drownings are preventable, often involving a lack of adult supervision or unsafe access to open water. Children under five and teenagers aged 13 to 17 are among those most at risk, while 60% of drowning fatalities occur in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and canals.

The water safety sessions teach pupils how to recognise hazards, understand the risks of open water, swim in supervised locations and respond safely if someone gets into difficulty. They also reinforce the Water Safety Code:

• Stop and think

• Stay together

• Float

• Call 999 or 112

With thousands more children expected to attend swimming lessons and holiday activities throughout the summer, the programme continues to play an important role in helping young people to enjoy the water safely and confidently. For more information on water safety, visit www.rlss.org.uk.