Keeping Children Safe Around Water
Staying Safe
With temperatures set to soar over the next few weeks, many families will be looking forward to spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. While the warm weather brings plenty of opportunities for fun, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks to our health, wellbeing and safety, particularly around water.
Water Safety
Water safety is an important life skill. We are fortunate to live in an area surrounded by canals, rivers and ponds, and we are also within easy reach of the coast. Whilst these environments can provide wonderful opportunities for recreation and exploration, they can also present significant dangers.
At Tilston, we are passionate about ensuring that all children develop strong swimming and water safety skills. Throughout their time with us, children are taught how to stay safe around water and are encouraged to develop an understanding of potential risks, often beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum. However, despite this education, accidents can and do happen, sometimes with devastating consequences.
It is essential that children understand how to recognise hazards, assess risks and make safe choices when near water. They should also know what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty. Children should never play near water unsupervised, and regular conversations at home can help reinforce these important safety messages.
There are a number of excellent resources available to support families in discussing water safety. The British Red Cross provides free online first aid videos that you may wish to watch and share with your child, while the Royal Life Saving Society's Lifesaver Life Changer Toolkit offers practical activities and guidance for families.
The links below will take you directly to these helpful resources. We encourage all families to take a few moments to explore them together and help ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend.
Water Safety and Drowning First Aid | British Red Cross
Summer Water Safety | Royal Life Saving Society UK ( RLSS UK )
Water Safety Education Resources for Schools
But, the most important thing to note is the danger that water, and particularly open water, poses at this time of year. Cooling off in a river, canal or in the sea can seem like a really good idea but it is vitally important that children understand the dangers that different types of open water can present, even on the hottest of days, and what they can do to keep themselves – and others -safe.
Hydration
At Tilston, we place great importance on helping children understand the benefits of staying hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports children's concentration, focus, memory and overall wellbeing, helping them to get the most from their learning. Good hydration can also improve mood, energy levels and sleep quality. We encourage all children to bring a refillable water bottle to school each day and actively remind them to refill it regularly. By developing these healthy habits from an early age, we are helping children to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing both in school and at home.