Water safety resources

Water safety resource pack 2026

As we approach the summer holidays, we are inviting all schools and education settings across Norfolk to take part in a water safety lesson using the resources in this pack.

Norfolk is surrounded by water — from our coastline and rivers to the Broads, lakes, and harbours. These environments provide great opportunities for learning and enjoyment, but they also present real risks. By delivering a simple and engaging water safety session, you can help children and young people understand how to stay safe in, on and around water.

This activity supports Drowning Prevention Week, led by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), and reinforces the message that anyone can drown — but no one should. Education and early conversations can save lives.

Alongside your lesson, we encourage you to share this page through your usual communication channels so these safety messages continue at home.

Thank you for taking part and for everything you do to keep children and young people safe. We look forward to hearing about your activities and seeing schools and education settings across Norfolk getting involved ahead of the summer holidays.

Nick Ayers and Lucy Goldsmith
Chair, Norfolk Water Safety Forum

Suggested lesson activities

Step 1 - Play the video

Play the water safety video to learn the four steps to water safety! The video will teach you how to be safe in and around the water this summer.

Watch or download the water safety video from RNLI

Step 2 - Be Safe, Have fun poster

Recap the Four Steps to Water Safety by printing or displaying the 'Be Safe, Have Fun' poster.

Download the Be Safe Have Fun poster from RNLI

Use the poster in the workshop and print out to post around your school or education establishment

Step 3 - Spot the dangers poster

Print the Spot the dangers poster and ask the class to identify as many hazards as they can. Highlight the four key points:

• The water is always moving
• The water is cold
• Be aware of underwater hazards
• Keep back from unprotected edges

Download the Spot the dangers poster from RNLI

This is a fun interactive way to have the class point out as many dangers they see on the poster, there are three different settings, a beach, a river and a harbour scene. There are 14 dangers to spot on each poster.

Step 4 - Learn to float poster

Show the 'Learn to float' poster and ask everyone to demonstrate their best floating position.

Download the Learn to float poster from RNLI

Print or display the poster around your school or education setting and encourage everyone to demonstrate their floating position by laying on the floor.