This article is brought to you by Slough Borough Council, for the attention of all Early Years settings and Schools.
It’s Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) this week – a national campaign designed to educate everyone on water safety.
Water can bring so much joy but also unfortunate accidents.
Sadly, 47% of UK accidental drownings occur between May and August, and there is also a heightened risk of drowning when air temperatures are higher.
With the right water safety education, accidental drownings are preventable. Some top tips for parents and carers to help with water safety include:
- Keep your child within reaching distance.
- Never assume someone else is watching them for you unless they have clearly agreed to do so.
- Dress your children in something bright or recognisable – it’s easier to keep an eye on them.
- Only use inflatables in the pool – not at the beach or on open water where they can easily drift far away.
- Empty paddling pools and buckets as soon as they have been used and turn them upside down.
Are you aware of the Water Safety Code?
The Water Safety Code provides fundamental and easy-to-remember information that acts as a proactive measure to educate and raise awareness about what people should do in an emergency.
The Royal Life Saving Society has put together Water Safety Code posters in various languages and other useful resources to share with families you know / work with. Posters are available in other languages on their website: https://www.rlss.org.uk/the-water-safety-code-in-multiple-languages