Children and young people urged to learn key water safety tips this Drowning Prevention Week

Following a high number of drownings across the country this year, children and young people in Norfolk are being urged to learn key water safety tips ahead of the school summer holidays to help keep them safe this summer.

This week is Drowning Prevention Week, a campaign from the Royal Life Saving Society that is aimed at teaching water safety to those up to age 17.

Lucy Goldsmith, from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, who is co-chair of the Norfolk Water Safety Forum, said: "Tragically, there have been 19 water deaths across the country during 2026, including two here in Norfolk.

"The Norfolk Water Safety Forum works to prevent drownings in the county and educate people of all ages on water safety. Before we get to the school summer holidays, we would ask schools, youth groups and children's clubs, as well as parents to look at the resources we have created and help teach vital water safety skills." 

These skills include: 

• Calling 999 as soon as you see someone in difficulty in the water. Then throwing something that floats to them, such as a life ring or throwline - but never going into the water after them.  
• Floating to live - if you are having trouble in the water, lie on your back with your arms and legs out like a star, with your ears submerged and regain control of your breathing. Then, once you feel calmer, to wave or call for help.  
• Always wearing a life jacket or buoyancy aid when you are going out on a boat or doing water sports. Making sure you put it on before you get to the water's edge and keeping it on until you are back on land.  
• Swimming in groups and letting someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Checking the weather before you go out. Recognising safe places to swim such as lifeguarded beaches or organised outdoor swimming events.  
• Getting into the water slowly, so your body can acclimatise to the temperature. Even the strongest swimmers can suffer from cold water shock.  

As part of the Forum's work - short lesson plans on water safety have been sent to schools across Norfolk and can be found online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/watersafetyresources 

There are also water safety events being held across the county, including: 

• Monday 15, Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June - Alive Leisure Centres (West Norfolk)
  
  FREE water safety sessions for 8-15 year olds with Alive and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. Visit their Facebook pages for more information.
• Sunday 14th June - Bawsey Country Park
  
  Water safety training from the Fenland Working Newfoundlands Group and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.