Dumfries and Galloway Council is aiming to ensure that families have a safe summer when close to open water. Our swimming pools have joined with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), to deliver exclusive water safety lessons, as part of Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from 19-26 June 2021.
Lessons under the National Learn to Swim Framework, which involve almost 1,400 children across Dumfries and Galloway, are being specially adapted to include key water safety guidance as part of RLSS’s Drowning Prevention Week
Cllr Andy Ferguson, Chair of Communities Committee said: “With Summer holidays fast approaching we are sure everyone is keen to get out and enjoy the Dumfries and Galloway’s beautiful beaches and water sites after months of restrictions.
We recognise how vitally important it is for children to know how to stay safe near water.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, young people have missed out on the vital opportunity to swim, leaving a gap in swimming and water safety education.
The campaign will teach children and young people, the skills they need to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water.”Cllr John Martin, Vice Chair of Communities Committee commentated that “It surprised us to learn that drowning is still one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. Over 400 people accidentally drown every year in the UK and Ireland. Therefore we are proud to be supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week campaign from 19-26 June 2021.”
Regular updates and information will be posted on DG Councils local facility Facebook pages throughout drowning prevention week. Further information and access to water safety resources can also be found at www.rlss.org.uk
