Dothill Primary School

With the current hot weather, children, particularly older children, may look to go swimming in open water to cool down and have fun.  This comes with various risks – cold water shock, currents, hidden underwater dangers and diseases such as Weil’s disease. 46% of drownings occur in the summer months and this rises to 75% amongst 13 – 17-year-olds. Educating children on these dangers is important in preventing tragic incidents.

The Royal Life Saving Society and the Canal & River Trust have some good resources with more information on this to discuss with your children:

 General: https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/water-safety-information

 For secondary school and primary junior-age children:  https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/summer-water-safety

 For early years and primary infants: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/water-safety-tips-for-parents