School children are to get tips on how to stay safe near water.

More than 230 pupils representing every school in Nottingham will take part in the Water Wise event at Harvey Hadden Sports Village on 9 June 2017. Being safe around water is an essential skill for children and young people – and will help to save lives

Special ‘Ambassadors’ from Years 5 and 6 will attend the day and then take back what they learn to their schools. Pupils will then compete for the title Water Safety School of the Year by creating posters and collages to be judged by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.

During the day the children will:

  • learn safe behaviour and good practice around water
  • Manage emergency incidents
  • Rescue themselves from water
  • Understand the importance of learning to swim and water confidence
  • Increase knowledge of the role of emergency services

The event will also see the official launch of the new Nottinghamshire Water Safety Partnership – a multi-agency group which aims to halve the number of drownings in the UK by 2026. Members include the Solar Team at Nottingham Council Council, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance and Speedo.

Last year, the National Water Safety Forum released a 10-year strategy outlining five main areas they intend to work on, these being:

  1. Every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and receive water safety education at primary school and where required at key stage 3.
  2. Every community with water safety risks should have a community-level water safety risk assessment and water safety plan.
  3. To better understand water-related self-harm.
  4. Increase awareness of everyday risks in, on and around water.
  5. All recreational activity organisation should have a clear strategic risk assessment and plans that address key risks.

Water Wise highlights the importance of every child in Nottingham having the opportunity to learn to swim and receive water safety education.

For more information about water safety visit https://www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/