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HeadlineLambeth swimming pools raise awareness for water safety

Short HeadlineLambeth promoting increased water safety awareness

StandfirstFigures show that 63% of all drownings in the UK occur in inland waterways, making water safety a priority in the capital.

Swimming pools in Lambeth are taking part in a national push for increased water safety. Intensive swimming courses are available for children who have missed out on a year of lessons.

The latest figures from the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) show that 63% of drownings in the nation occur within inland waterways. It’s sparked a push for increased awareness of water safety within the capital.

Bhavik Barochia, a youth ambassador for the RLSS, said, “a lot of drownings happen in built-up areas because people often forget that they are surrounded by water wherever they are in the UK. Whether that be the Thames, Camden’s canals, or the ponds in Hyde Park.”

With the summer holidays approaching, the RLSS are running a national drowning prevention week in order to raise awareness ahead of a summer surge to the water. Lambeth’s Better UK swimming pools are taking part in the week by incorporating the teachings into their swimming lessons.

“Safety is fundamental,” said Katrina Davie, the Water Safety Lead for Clapham and Streatham, “we need to have our kids in the water, knowing how to be safe.”

A new way of teaching

In Lambeth, that has meant the addition of intensive two-week swimming courses for local schools. These have replaced the traditional structure of one lesson a week for an entire term. A change that is designed to help children catch up having missed an entire year of swimming lessons.

“It’s been so sad,” said Davie, “they’ve missed out on a whole year of swimming and they have regressed. But we’re taking our time with them and ensuring safety first and foremost.”

The changes have had a positive impact on both the demand for swimming lessons and the progress of the children.

“Since lockdown, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people wanting to swim. And that’s been really great. Also, the progress we’ve seen with the kids [doing the two-week course] has been amazing. That’s what my job’s about and it’s what I love. It’s the way forward for teaching kids swimming.”