Village school hosts water safety event ahead of summer holidays

Pupils at a village primary school have taken part in a water safety workshop at Frisby Lakes to warn them about the dangers of swimming in rivers and lakes ahead of the school summer holidays.

The initiative was organised by Asfordby Captain’s Close Primary School and it also involved members of the emergency services, police officers and first responders.

Asfordby Captain's Close Primary School pupils are taught basic life-saving techniques at their water safety event

placeholder image — Asfordby Captain's Close Primary School pupils are taught basic life-saving techniques at their water safety event

Children were taught how to recognise risks, what to do if they fall into water, and how to help others safely, including basic first aid skills – there are plans to make the event an annual fixture.

Water safety has been brought into sharp focus in recent weeks with the tragic death of 13-year-old Hayden Jones-Powell in Meynell Lake last month.

The water safety event for Asfordby schoolchildren at Frisby Lakes

Asfordby Captain’s Close Primary School headteacher, Natalie Willcock, told the Melton Times: "Children across all age groups took part and parents were also invited to attend, helping to extend vital safety messages beyond the classroom and into the wider community.

“We had already been exploring water safety in preparation for the summer holidays, and we hope that this hands-on experience will both raise awareness and reduce risk.”

Pupils said they learned lots of important lessons – Scarlett commented: “It is helpful to know what to do if someone fell in the water,” and Harry added: “I enjoyed finding out how to float on our backs to keep safe and how to use a safety line.”

Dan Sheridan, on-site fishery manager and head bailiff at Frisby Lakes, said: 'This is all about giving the children the knowledge to save themself or someone else in a fun way that's going to stick with them.

"This a much needed boost that other water activity providers can pair with their local emergency services to do a similar thing.”

And James Marman, crew manager for White Watch at Melton Fire Station, added: “This was a great initiative from the school, being able to educate students about the dangers associated with water.

"If you see anyone in difficulty in water stay out, call 999 and ask for the fire service.”

Also present at the workshop were representatives from Swim With Jo, a local organisation which teaches swimming and water safety skills, which described the school’s project as ‘amazing’ and recommended every school organised their own one.