Leisure centres across Newcastle are helping to raise awareness of water safety as part of Drowning Prevention Week, a national campaign aimed at reducing drowning incidents and helping people stay safe around water.
GLL, the social enterprise that operates leisure facilities under the Better brand, is supporting the initiative at East End Pool and Gosforth Leisure Centre.
The campaign comes as water safety organisations continue to highlight the risks associated with open water and swimming during the warmer months. According to figures from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), hundreds of people lose their lives in drowning incidents across the UK and Ireland each year, with many incidents involving children and young people.
As part of Drowning Prevention Week, swimming lessons and training sessions across Newcastle are focusing on practical water safety skills. Children are being taught how to stay safe around water, how to float, and what to do in an emergency situation.
Some advanced swimmers are also taking part in supervised sessions while wearing pyjamas, helping them understand how difficult it can be to move in water while fully clothed and preparing them for real-life situations.
Stephen Carr, Better’s Aquatics Manager, said:
“Learning to swim is a vital life skill that can help keep you safe in and around water. Even basic water safety skills, such as floating and treading water, can make a significant difference in an emergency. Swimming also builds confidence, supports physical wellbeing, and allows people to enjoy water safely throughout their lives.
“We are proud to play our part in ensuring families stay safe this summer.”
The campaign also includes educational activities for children and displays throughout participating leisure centres highlighting key water safety messages.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Water Safety Code encourages people to stop and think about potential dangers, stay together when visiting water, and know what to do in an emergency.
Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety Education at RLSS UK, said:
“We are grateful to GLL for their support in amplifying Drowning Prevention Week’s key water safety messages nationwide. By working together, we can all help create communities free from drowning.
“The Water Safety Code is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to remember, equipping people, especially young children and teenagers, with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water, as well as the confidence to make vital early decisions and save lives in an emergency.”
With families expected to spend more time outdoors during the summer months, organisers hope the campaign will encourage more people to learn essential water safety skills and help prevent avoidable tragedies.
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