George Campbell Leisure Centre in March, Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech and Manor Leisure in Whittlesey, managed by Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading charitable not-for-profit leisure trusts in partnership with Fenland District Council, continue to highlight the importance of learning to swim and raising awareness about water safety ensuring individuals in the community develop the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent drowning incidents.
In support of Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society, all three local leisure centres incorporated Drowning Prevention practices throughout their swimming lessons. While drowning prevention is a topic that requires attention all year round, this dedicated week provided an additional opportunity to reinforce lifesaving skills within their programme.
According to the Royal Life Saving Society, 71% of UK child drownings occur between May and August, as families are more likely to visit pools, lakes and beaches to engage in water-related activities. Additionally, 84% of UK child drownings happen in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and canals, with Fenland having a high number of waterways the need for water safety education is essential.
During Drowning Prevention Week, their Swim Teachers incorporated water safety information throughout their lessons.
Children learning to be confident in deep water is very important and acquiring basic survival skills will help if they find themselves or others in difficulty. The children have done very well this week, especially manoeuvring whilst treading water and stay calm, knowing when it is appropriate to float rather than swim. We made sure to help them understand the significance of pacing themselves whilst swimming, so they are less likely to tire out. They have also enjoyed learning how to do reach rescues, some even performing in-water rescues in a safe, controlled environment with pool noodles in hand. A vital aspect of teaching the children is to know what they can do to help a person drowning directly, and when to seek others for help, like calling the emergency services. I believe everyone has learnt core skills to keep themselves and others safe in water.
Charlie
Freedom Leisure believes that it’s never too early or too late to learn to swim. Offering a diverse range of lessons to provide a learning opportunity for everyone in the community, from parent and baby lessons, all the way through to adult lessons. The Swim Schools across Fenland have over 2,800 participants supported by a team of swim teachers who provide a wealth of knowledge at every lesson ensuring each individual develops their swimming and water safety skills effectively.
I think it’s great my son is being taught drowning prevention in his lessons. He is now aware of water safety and how to swim effectively. This give me confidence that when we are swimming, my son has the knowledge and skills to be safe.
Vicky
Freedom Leisure centres across Fenland are delighted to invite everyone in the community to discover the joys and benefits of swimming, whilst recognising the importance of water safety. Whether they are looking to start their child’s swimming journey, build on their confidence and skills or to begin their own journey, the qualified Swim Team will support and help you achieve those milestones.
For more information about the Swimming Lessons offered or to enrol for Swim School, please visit https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/swimlessons/
Pictured: Swim Teachers - Aimee, Celia, Charlie, Sasha.
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