Valuable water safety lessons delivered by swimming teachers at West Wight Sports Centre during RLSS Drowning Prevention Week were welcomed by parents and life saving organisations last week.
Ten swimming teachers working at the Centre delivered water safety sessions to over 600 children aged between three and 11 during swimming lessons that took place between 18th-24th June, including the star-floating technique, using balls and bottles as life preservers and practicing recovering a person from the water.
Teachers highlighted the importance of never swimming alone and ensured that children know how to get help if needed.
Praise for course
Parents praised the value of the sessions, with Lisa Burton thanking the staff, saying on social media,
“Thank you…….living on an Island makes [water safety] so super important….”
Freshwater Inshore Lifeboat also praised the Centre,
“……we know the entire community is safer for your efforts….”
Gaining skills and understanding about water safety
Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said,
“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy their summer break and enjoy being in or around water, but be safe in the knowledge that they, and their children, have the skills and understanding about water safety, which could potentially save a life.”
Griffin: Teach swimming to hundreds of children every week
West Wight Sports and Community Centre Manager, Claire Griffin, thanked the staff for the team effort,
“We teach swimming to hundreds of children every week at the Centre, and all staff embraced the message of water safety as part of Drowning Prevention Week, ensuring that all the children we teach have a better understanding of how to enjoy water safely.”
Clare continues,
“Swimming has been declining nationally (and locally) for a variety of reasons so it’s never been more important for children to learn to be safe around water.
“Swimming is an essential physical activity that can also save lives. We need to ensure every single child gets the opportunity to learn.”
Book now
Intensive swimming lessons are provided throughout the school holidays and can be booked now. Families who wish to apply for a support with funding their children’s lesson can apply by emailing [email protected] .
The Centre has accessed grant funding from the Daisy Rich Trust to support vulnerable children and encourage them to participate in swimming and other physical activity. Swimming lessons can be booked now and other sports will be available to book at a later date.
News shared by Rachel on behalf of West Wight Sports and Community Centre. Ed
