Stay Safe This Summer: Free Water Safety Lessons for Kids Across Cornwall

Better Leisure Centres Launch Free Workshops During National Drowning Prevention Week

Better leisure centres throughout Cornwall are stepping up to ensure children can stay safe and enjoy the water this summer. In collaboration with Cornwall Council, the nine centres managed by the not-for-profit social enterprise GLL are supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) annual campaign to prevent drowning, which runs from 15 to 22 June.

Promoting Water Safety Skills

The centres are integrating RLSS UK’s advice and guidance into all their swim school lessons. This effort includes prominently displaying relevant material and using fun activity sheets to emphasise learning. Additionally, each centre will offer free water safety workshops during the summer holidays, reinforcing essential skills and knowledge for making safe decisions around water.

On 23 June, St Austell Leisure Centre will host free personal survival lessons led by swim teacher Alys Pink. These sessions are scheduled from 10am to 11am for children aged 8 and older, and from 11am to 12pm for those aged 6 to 8 years. Free Rookie Taster sessions will also be available from 1pm to 2pm and 2pm to 3pm for children aged 8 and above.

Addressing the Swimming Gap

Recent figures show that around 25 per cent of primary pupils leave school unable to swim. According to GLL Area Swim Lead Natallie Carter, the pandemic has exacerbated this issue, leaving many young people without the skills to swim or rescue themselves if they encounter difficulties in the water.

“It’s vitally important for children to know how to stay safe near water,” Natallie emphasised, urging parents and carers to utilise the excellent themed resources available on the RLSS UK website. She highlighted that lifesaving and rescue skills are already a significant part of the learn-to-swim programme at Better leisure centres, from Swimbies lessons to Academy and Rookie Lifeguard courses. During Drowning Prevention Week, these centres are going the extra mile to reinforce water safety messages.

Lifesaving Skills for All

Cornwall, with its 422 miles of coastline and more than 400 accessible beaches, presents unique challenges and opportunities for water safety education. By participating in these workshops and lessons, children can gain the skills needed to stay safe and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Concessionary memberships are available for those receiving various benefits, and swim school pupils can swim for free at their home centre. They also receive a discounted rate at other Better leisure centres.

A Call to Educate

Lee Heard, Charity Director of the Royal Life Saving Society UK, stressed the importance of education in preventing water-related tragedies. “The UK’s beautiful waterways should be places where everyone feels at ease and can enjoy their surroundings. But we’re urging people to educate themselves and others on how to enjoy water safely,” Lee said.

To access the charity’s free water safety resources, visit RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week.

For more information on what Better leisure centres in Bude, Saltash, Liskeard, St Austell, Bodmin, Newquay, Truro, Helston, and St Ives are offering, visit Better Lessons and Courses.