Top Water Safety Tips for Parents

Living by the coast means water safety is something we have taught the kids from an early age.

The STA, a leading UK charity that is dedicated to the teaching of swimming, lifesaving and survival techniques, has launched its annual national water safety week on 6th June, with a host of events and activities taking place all over the country designed to raise awareness about the importance of water safety.

Richard Timms, STA’s President, said the campaign, which runs from 6th-10th June, is very important, especially when you consider that more people drowned in the UK last year than died in a fire-related incident and drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK.

He said: “Enjoying water – whether at a beach or in a swimming pool on holiday or taking a relaxing walk along a canal or river – is one of life’s pleasures but it’s important that people of all ages understand how to be safe in and around water, especially at this time of year with summer approaching.”

For families who will be preparing to go on holiday, it is important that children understand the Water Safety Code.  To help with the learning process, we’ve created a free downloadable water safety booklet.” 

“The 24-page booklet, which has been launched for National Water Safety Week, features fun puzzles and activities to teach children how to stay safe in the pool and in the sea, as well as general water safety awareness in different environments and potential hazards,” added Richard.

Water Safety Code

  1. Spot the Dangers

Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous; learn to spot and keep away from dangers.  You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you’d be able to swim in cold outside water.

  1. Take Safety Advice

Special flags and notices may warn you of danger.  Know what the signs mean and do what they tell you.

  1. Don’t Go Alone

Children should always go with an adult, not by themselves.  An adult may be able to point out dangers or help if someone gets into trouble.

  1. Learn How to Help

You may be able to yourself and others if you know what to do in an emergency.

You can download a free copy of STA’s water safety booklet here and the STA is also encouraging everyone to support National Water Safety Week this year by using the hashtag #WaterSafetyPledge. See www.sta.co.uk or follow on Twitter @STAnleyTheSeal

For added water safety, Swim Safe, the UK’s FREE outdoor swimming and water safety programme for children aged 7-14 will be returning to beaches, lakes and sea pools across the UK this summer.

Perfect for families who love to spend the summer holidays enjoying the great outdoors, the 40-minute sessions teach children vital skills for staying safe while having fun in the water.

Locations across the UK include Plymouth, the Lake District, Jersey, Poole, South Shields, Bude, Scarborough, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre in North Wales, Barry Island, the Isle of Man and Penzance.

Practical, interactive and fun, each session includes a land-based safety lesson with a lifeguard and in-water tuition with a swimming teacher. Wetsuits and swimming hats are provided, and there’s a free goody bag with t-shirt for every young person that takes part.

Simply visit Swimming.org/SwimSafe to register your child for a Swim Safe session near you or your holiday destination. Children must be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres to take part.

16 thoughts on “Top Water Safety Tips for Parents”

  1. We’re not near the sea but we do have a large lake nearby. As the local triathlon club train there they do have problems with people thinking they can swim in it without knowing the dangers of open water swimming.

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  2. Our house backs onto a Creek and we’re planning on spending a lot of time there once the summer holidays come around, so these tips will be really useful – thanks for sharing.

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  3. Water safety is so important, I don’t think it gets taught enough at all! We live near the beach and I’m always surprised by how far some peoplevel behave, jumping off groynes and all sorts! These sessions sounds like a really good idea!

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  4. Great tips for this time of year when kids want to go swimming, my eldest has just started swimming with school and I know they capable of looking after them but I still worry and speak to my daughter on the way to school about not running etc…..

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  5. So so important. I think we are great at teaching our kids to swim at an early age in the UK, I have been surprised at how late they teach them both here and in Denmark where we lived previously…

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  6. Really good tips! water safety is so important and I really dont think it gets enough attention. Also I think it is vital for children to learn to swim.

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  7. We have spent a lot of time in swimming lessons as I take this very seriously. I think it’s important to recognise the dangers of different types of water like currents in the sea.

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