As summer approaches and families head to pools, lakes, and beaches across the globe, the importance of water safety becomes more critical than ever. This ‘Drowning Prevention Week’ is aimed at raising awareness about the hidden dangers of water and equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to stay safe. Each year, hundreds of preventable drowning incidents occur, many involving children and inexperienced swimmers. Join us as we explore vital top tips and highlight the steps we can all take to make every splash safe.
SAFE SELF-RESCUE
If you find yourself in difficulty, here are 5 focuses to remember:
- Try to stay calm, and control your breathing.
- Roll onto your back which enables you to take a breath and reserve energy levels and try the star float position (in warm water).
- If you’re in cold water the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) will assist in minimising heat loss. Draw knees up towards the chest, and keep your head above the water to prevent ‘brain freeze’.
- If you’re in a group, then perform the “huddle” position. Make a circle and hold on to each other – this will help you to conserve body heat and check in on each other.
- Minimise movement in the water, only moving as much as necessary to maintain buoyancy or reach, or swim to safety.
SIGNALING FOR HELP
- Tread water if you can or use a sculling action to stay afloat while raising one arm.
- Shout for help.
GETTING TO SAFETY
- Swim to safety if possible. If there is a floating object that will assist in your personal survival doggy paddle or over arm stroke, reach for the object.
- Maintain HELP POSITION.
NEVER swim to the rescue services, let them come to you.
As children, the world is full of exciting and wonderful things, especially when it comes to water. But children need to be aware that water can be dangerous, and how to be safe in and around water.
When we go to parks, the countryside, leisure centres, the beach even at home,it’s never too early to make your child aware of what the dangers are, but also how important water is. Look out for signs on notice boards and explain to your child what they mean …have the conversation about safety and the joys of feeling water in a safe, controlled environment. No one should ever swim by themselves outside of a supervised area.
Do you know the water safety code?
- STOP AND THINK…is it safe to enter?
- STAY TOGETHER…get in the huddle position if you’re in a group.
- FLOAT…if you’re in warm water, get into the star float position, or the HELP position if you’re in cold water.
- CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES…if you see someone at risk, make sure you call 999 or 112.
Currently, 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to swim the statutory 25 meters, and projections suggest that by 2025-26, this could rise to 3 in 5 children. Only 45% of children from the most deprived areas can swim 25 meters, compared to 76% from the least deprived areas. 55% of parents rely on schools to teach their children how to swim and how to perform safe self-rescue.
Swim:ED for schools
The Swim:ED programme can make a real difference to young people and their knowledge and confidence in and around water. Our programme is specifically designed to support schools in providing high-quality swimming lessons that meet statutory requirements, while gaining a culture of water safety. By offering structured swimming lessons, comprehensive resources for teachers, and ongoing support, we help schools bridge the existing gaps and ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to the life-saving skill of swimming.
The purpose of Swim:ED is to ensure that water safety education is not an afterthought, but an integral part of every child’s development. We know that schools are crucial in shaping children’s futures. Drowning Prevention Week is a call to action. It’s not just a week to raise awareness, but a time to take impactful steps toward ensuring that every child leaves school with the ability to swim.
If you want to learn more about how Swim:ED can help your school improve water safety education, email us: [email protected]. Together, we can make a difference. To find out more about our Swim:ED programme, visit our website.