A series of free water safety sessions are set to take place this summer for young people.
Westmorland and Furness Council are urging families to take part in the sessions as part of a coordinated effort to prevent serious incidents in open water ahead of the school summer holidays.
It comes after a number of recent deaths across the UK, which have highlighted the dangers of open water and the importance of knowing how to respond in an emergency.
The sessions are being offered to families with children aged seven to 14 years in both leisure centres and open water locations across the area, teaching vital life-saving skills.
Secondary schools will also have the opportunity to arrange funded sessions for their pupils as part of their core PE offer. Children must be able to swim at least 25 metres confidently without stopping to take part.
The initiative is provided through Westmorland and Furness Council and the Cumbria Water Safety Partnership, in partnership with GLL and Barrow Forward – working to reduce water-related deaths and keep communities safe.
The sessions focus on practical techniques that can make the difference between life and death in cold water, including:
- How to control breathing during cold water shock
- How to float to stay alive
- Understanding risks in open water
- What to do if someone is in trouble
The programme recognises that being able to swim is not enough and that knowing how to survive in cold, open water is critical.
Parents and carers are encouraged to talk to their children about water safety and reinforce one key message: “If you fall into water – float, breathe, and stay calm.”
Vicky Hughes cabinet member for planning and active wellbeing said: “We know that open water can be extremely dangerous, particularly for young people who may not recognise the risks.
“I’m grateful to our partner organisations for working with us so swiftly to provide this local offer to our children and young people, following the recent tragic deaths across the UK.
“These free sessions give families the knowledge and confidence to stay safe, and could genuinely save lives.”
Full details of the sessions and booking details can be found here.
