HUNDREDS of children attending swimming lessons at local leisure centres will take part in special water safety and lifesaving sessions as part of Drowning Prevention Week.
Running until 20th June, the national campaign led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK aims to help prevent accidental drowning incidents.
Swimming lessons at both Lichfield Leisure Centre and Burntwood Leisure Centre will include age-appropriate water safety and lifesaving activities designed to help children stay safe in and around water.
Younger swimmers will focus on key foundation skills including floating on their back, water confidence and understanding how to stay safe, while older participants will learn more advanced techniques, including what to do if they see somebody in difficulty and how to safely seek help.
Cllr Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, said:
"Every parent wants their child to feel confident and safe around water. While learning to swim is a fantastic achievement, understanding how to stay safe and what to do in an emergency is equally important.
"Through Drowning Prevention Week, hundreds of young people attending lessons at our leisure centres will learn skills that could one day help save their own life or someone else’s.
"As we head into the summer months, it’s a timely reminder that water safety starts with education, awareness and confidence. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives that help keep our communities safe."
More than 2,300 children are set to attend the sessions at the district’s leisure centres.
For more information about swimming lessons and water safety, visit Active Lichfield’s website.
