Why Learning to Swim Is a Life Skill Every Child Needs.
At Lonsdale Pool, we believe swimming is more than just a fun activity, it’s a vital life skill that can mean the difference between life and death, As Drowning Prevention Week 2025 approaches (14-21 June), we’re proud to support the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) campaign to promote water safety and ensure every child has the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the water safely.
The Reality Behind the Statistics
Each year, an average of 307 people accidentally drown in the UK and Ireland. Shockingly, more than 44% never intended to be in the water. These are ordinary people caught in unexpected, often avoidable situations.
Even more concerning, over 60% of these water incidents occur in inland waters such as rivers, lakes and canals, places we might not consider dangerous until it’s too late.
And the summer months? They’re the most dangerous, nearly half of all accidental drownings happen between May and August. When people spend more time outdoors, often near the water.
The Swimming Gap
Due to the pandemic, it’s estimated that nearly 2 million children in England alone have missed out on school swimming lessons. That’s a significant number of young people who may not have the basic skills to stay safe in the water. Combine that with 55% of parents saying they’re not confident their child would know what to do if they fell into open water, and the need for action is clear.
Swimming Saves Lives
At Lonsdale Pool, we’re passionate about giving children the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe around the water.
Through RLSS UK’s campaign, families can access free, practical, and engaging water safety resources, including guidance on the Water Safety Code, self-rescue techniques and how to assess risks around the water.
Learning to swim opens the door to a lifetime of enjoyment in and around water, from beach days and pool fun to boating and water sports. But more importantly, it equips children with the confidence and skills to act safely and decisively in an emergency.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Whether your child is taking their first dip or building on existing skills, now is the time to prioritise swimming and water safety. We encourage all our members, and the wider community to explore the resources available through the RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week. And if you’re ready to get started, contact us at Lonsdale Pool to book swimming lessons and give your child the skills they need for a lifetime of confidence in the water.
Enter Our Competition.
For this years Drowning Prevention Week, we have a competition to win a swimming hat and googles as well as a number of family fun swims too. To enter, please download and print and colour in the activity sheet below and had in by 21 June to be in for a chance to win a prize. Winners will be notified on Monday 23 June via our Facebook page.
