As part of Drowning Prevention Week, activity took place in and around Matlock and the surrounding areas, including visits to schools in Lea, Wessington, Tansley and Stanton in the Peak. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the dangers associated with playing near local authority water bodies and to educate young people on how to stay safe.
Over the course of the week, water safety presentations were delivered to more than 350 children, alongside teaching staff, providing vital knowledge on how to recognise risks and what actions to take if they find themselves in difficulty in water. In addition to the classroom-based learning, pupils also took part in practical sessions, supported by swimming teacher Dawn, giving them the opportunity to experience simulated rescue scenarios and understand how to assist someone safely.
Drowning Prevention Week is a national campaign led by RLSS UK, which for over a decade has equipped educators, parents and carers with essential water safety knowledge ahead of the summer months, when the risk of drowning increases.
Alongside school visits, Freedom Leisure embedded water safety into its regular swimming lesson programme throughout the week. Swimmers were encouraged to work towards RLSS UK water safety awards (Levels 1–3), with many successfully achieving Level 1 or higher. This focus ensured that participants not only developed swimming ability, but also gained the confidence and awareness needed to stay safe in and around water.
We are proud to support Drowning Prevention Week and work closely with our local communities to raise awareness of water safety. Educating young people on the risks and providing them with the knowledge and practical skills to respond in an emergency is essential in helping to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Steve Biddulph
This prevention week is well timed, with more hot weather forecast. I support regular messaging for people to resist the temptation for anyone to cool off in a river or reservoir, where hiding dangers can take you by surprise, such as strong currents, a cold temperature and items below the surface. Freedom Leisure’s work in this respect is vital. Only enter the water in areas staffed by lifeguards, and whether this is your local swimming pool or the beach, please take care.
Councillor Steve Flitter
To find out more about swimming lessons and water safety programmes, or to book online, visit here.