'Life-saving' safety talks to be delivered at Hull schools
Friendly and experienced swim teachers will deliver engaging water safety talks across the North of England - including Hull. The age-appropriate sessions will be given to pupils at infant, junior and secondary schools.
They aim to give children the confidence and knowledge to safely enjoy pools, rivers, lakes and beaches throughout the summer season. Sessions will be presented in a lively and easy-to-understand format, covering essential safety messages including how to spot hazards, what to do in an emergency and simple behaviours that can help to keep everyone safe.
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The ultimate goal is to make sure children have been given potentially lie-saving knowledge that will stay with them for life. As part of the campaign, Swim Academy is sharing its Top 5 Water Safety Tips to reinforce the lessons being delivered in schools:
Never swim alone - Children should always swim with a buddy and be supervised by a responsible adult. Even confident swimmers can get into trouble, so supervision should be active and close by at all times.
Know your surroundings - Before entering any body of water, take a moment to check the environment. Look out for signs, currents, sudden drop-offs, slippery surfaces, or sharp objects. Awareness of surroundings is key to preventing accidents.
Learn to float and stay calm - Floating on your back is one of the most important survival skills. It helps conserve energy, keeps the airway above water, and gives swimmers time to rest or wait for help. Staying calm is essential to safety.
Stick to safe areas - Only swim in clearly marked, designated swimming areas, especially those with lifeguards. Avoid isolated or unmonitored locations, as they may hide hidden hazards such as strong currents or submerged objects.
Understand cold water shock - Even during warm weather, open water can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can cause rapid breathing, panic, and difficulty swimming. Enter water slowly and stay close to the shore, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Brad Winstone, Swim Development Lead at Total Fitness, commented: 'We believe that water safety is just as important as learning to swim, and every child deserves the freedom and joy of enjoying water safely, and that starts with education.
'The school visits are a proactive way to support our local communities and give pupils the confidence to make safe choices this summer. As well as helping parents feel more secure when their kids are around water. After all, these safety tips are lessons for life, not just for the summer.'
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