Drowning is currently reported as one of the leading causes of child trauma-related deaths in England, and 71% of child UK drownings occur between the months of May and August. These facts are quite groundbreaking, and that’s why we, as a Swim School, have decided to help raise awareness of drowning, educate our swimmers on how to prevent drowning, and stay safe in and around water as part of The Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (15th – 22nd June, 2024).
As a Swim School in the Lancaster area, we are aware of the many different bodies of water surrounding us. The warmer weather during the Spring and Summer months often draws people closer to exploring those waters. We know that water is fun, and that is the main message we want to send out to people. However, with fun in the water, there is an important message of safety that needs to be remembered to also respect that water.
We have been educating our swimmers and schools in the area about the water safety code and practicing what we should do to stay safe in and around water. The main messages being:
- Stop and Think: Always stop and think about the potential dangers around water. Assess the risks before entering the water to ensure it is safe to do so.
- Stay Together: Never swim alone. Always stay with a group or at least one other person. This way, if something goes wrong, there is always someone there to help or get help.
- Call 999: In case of an emergency, know how to get help. Call 999 immediately if you see someone in trouble in the water. Quick action can save lives.
- Float: If you find yourself in trouble in the water, try to float on your back to keep your head above water and conserve energy until help arrives.
By following these simple steps, we can all contribute to reducing the number of drowning incidents and ensure that everyone enjoys water safely. Join us in spreading the word during Drowning Prevention Week and beyond, and let’s make water safety a priority for everyone in our community.
The feedback from parents and our swimmers has been phenomenal. While we know that enjoying water safely should be taught, we hope that the children we have educated aren’t ever in a situation where they would need to put this information into action.
Our commitment to water safety education has resonated deeply within our community. Parents have expressed their gratitude, emphasizing how the lessons have provided them with peace of mind, knowing their children are better equipped to handle potential dangers around water. Swimmers, especially the younger ones, have shown remarkable enthusiasm in learning and practicing the water safety code. Their eagerness to share what they’ve learned with friends and family highlights the positive impact of our program.
The importance of water safety cannot be overstated, and we take pride in knowing that our efforts are making a difference. However, our ultimate hope is that these skills and knowledge serve as a precaution, never having to be tested in real-life emergencies. Our aim is to create a culture of safety and awareness, ensuring that everyone can enjoy water activities without compromising on safety.
As we continue to educate and promote water safety, we are encouraged by the positive feedback and the proactive attitude of our community. Together, we can make water safety a shared responsibility and keep our loved ones safe.
For further information and to find out more about our Stingray Swimming School, please get in touch: [email protected]
