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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
How to keep your children safe around water this summer as drownings increase
Drownings typically increase between May and August, so it's especially important to be wary of water in summer. Scots have enjoyed their fair share of piping weather already this summer. With these scorching days comes the chance to head to the beach, get out the paddling pool, or even go wild swimming in one of our stunning lochs. But activities involving water can pose several hazards, especially to kids. In fact, cases of drowning increase significantly during hotter seasons, when families go to refresh by taking part in water-based activities. So it's crucial to be aware of the hazards water can pose to young kids and teens. Jo Talbot, commercial director at Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), has offered her advice on keeping youngsters safe. With this in mind, the expert has shared some safety tips for parents of under fives, over fives, and teens, so that wherever you go with the kids this summer, you can enjoy water activities without the worry. Water safety tips for parents of under fives Supervise 'Always watch children near water and keep them within arm's reach,' advises Talbot. 'When your children are in the water, supervise them at all times, enjoy the water with them.' Carlene McAvoy, senior policy manager for water safety at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) adds: 'Hold your child's hand when near any waterways inland or at the coast.' Secure a pram If a pram's brake doesn't work, it can lead to the pram rolling away, potentially causing injury to the child and others. 'Always secure the brake on a pushchair or pram when near waterways,' advises McAvoy. Lock and cover pools or jacuzzis 'If you have a hot or cold tub, make sure it's locked and covered so that young children cannot access it,' recommends McAvoy. 'Paddling pools should always be emptied and stored away somewhere safe when not in use.' Fence off garden ponds 'Be aware of visiting places or friends with garden ponds,' says McAvoy. 'Always keep an eye on your young ones. If you have a pond, we recommend filling it in or securely fencing it off.' Water safety tips for parents of over fives Go to supervised swimming sites 'If you decide to go swimming with your children, it's best to use a properly supervised site with lifeguards such as a life-guarded beach, lido or swimming pool,' recommends McAvoy. Choose bright coloured swimwear 'Dress your child in brightly coloured swimwear so they can be seen,' suggests Talbot. Look at tide times 'Don't get cut off by tides,' stresses McAvoy. 'If you're heading to the beach or a tidal lake or river, take some time to plan your day around the tides. "Go to the Met Office to enter your location and find out what time high and low tide will be.' Teach them about the Water Safety Code The Water Safety Code is a set of simple, easy-to-remember guidelines which encourages people to Stop and Think, Stay Together, Call 999 and Float. 'Teach children and young people to call 999 in an emergency and to tell the call operator that you have a water-based emergency at the coast or inland,' advises McAvoy. Water safety tips for parents of teens Educate them on water safety hazards 'We encourage parents of teenagers to discuss water safety and the dangers of inland water, such as rivers, lakes and quarries,' says Talbot. 'Being able to swim can sometimes not be enough to keep them safe. 'Hazards under the water can cause entrapment, currents can pull a person underwater; and even when the air temperature is high the water can be cold which will affect a person's ability to swim, causing them to drown.' Tell them about the risks of alcohol near water Drinking alcohol, especially excessively, poses several risks when combined with water or when near bodies of water. Explain how alcohol can impair your judgement and increase the chances of an accident, advises McAvoy. Warn them about the dangers of jumping into the unknown 'You can't always see what's under the water and if you crash into a rock or other submerged items you're at risk of serious impact injuries,' warns McAvoy. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Britain is facing a swimming crisis with 9 million British adults admitting they don't know how to swim
New research has uncovered that half (50%) of those who didn't learn as a child wanted to, while 42% admit to only staying in the shallow end and 33% now don't feel confident in the water at all. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... While swimming and water safety are now a mandatory part of the national curriculum, one in five Brits were not offered swimming lessons in school and 17% didn't have a pool in their local area growing up. Data commissioned by easyJet Holidays also shows over 100 publicly accessible pools have closed across the nation over the last 20 years, with the average pool 4.3 miles from Brits' homes. Some (5%) say their local pool is now more than 10 miles away. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite this, 35% of non-swimmers would take up the opportunity to learn as an adult, with many reporting feelings of vulnerability (23%), embarrassment (22%) and self-consciousness (19%) about their inability to swim. Olympic swimmer Tom Dean partners with easyJet Holidays to launch a 'Swim School' programme, offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays, London. To help encourage adults across the country gain this vital skill, easyJet Holidays has partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean to launch a Swim School and offer free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays alongside national swim provider Better and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Tom Dean, a prominent water safety advocate who has addressed Parliament on the matter, and the RLSS UK share essential water safety tips for those learning to swim. These include pausing before taking the plunge, swimming with a buddy who can assist if needed, staying where your feet can touch the bottom of the pool and if in doubt, float it out. Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children: It wasn't seen as important (27%) The school didn't offer a learn to swim programme (24%) Parents couldn't swim, so they didn't teach me (24%) Parents didn't have time to take me to lessons (22%) Bad experience at an early age (21%) No pool nearby (17%) It was viewed as too dangerous (12%) Didn't have time during school (11%) Learning to swim isn't part of my culture or religion (7%) It was too expensive (7%) Olympic swimmer Tom Dean partners with easyJet Holidays to launch a 'Swim School' programme, offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays, London Almost a third (31%) of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they don't know how to swim themselves, and 32% say they fear they won't be able to help if something happens to their child in the pool. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The research also uncovered that 17% of Brits are scared to get in the pool while on holiday – with over one in 10 (11%) avoiding a beach holiday completely because they don't know how to swim. Additionally, 25% with a lack of swimming ability report it affecting the enjoyment of their holiday, with 18% wishing they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool. The skills gap could widen in the future as 14% of parents admitting they haven't enrolled their children in swimming lessons or aren't planning to teach them themselves, with 20% saying they don't have the time, 15% citing high costs and 13% believing it is too risky or dangerous. Tom Dean, Olympic swimmer, says: 'As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to learn swimming competencies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Whether it's staying with a buddy, or knowing your limits and sticking to areas where you can stand, it's never too late to learn how to swim – and thanks to easyJet Holidays Swim School, more people will have access.' Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: 'We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe's favourite destinations. That's why it's so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can't swim – something we're determined to help change. By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we're also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. 'We're thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim. Together, we're taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.' The new 'Swim School' offer is now available via the easyJet Holidays website, offering six free lessons to 1,000 British adults, available to redeem via your nearest Better Leisure Centre – with 250 spots being released each week for four weeks, from Monday 30 June. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For more information on Swim School and how to book, please visit Visit to book your 2025/2026 package holiday at the best value.
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Britain is facing a swimming crisis with 9 million British adults admitting they don't know how to swim
New research has uncovered that half (50%) of those who didn't learn as a child wanted to, while 42% admit to only staying in the shallow end and 33% now don't feel confident in the water at all. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... While swimming and water safety are now a mandatory part of the national curriculum, one in five Brits were not offered swimming lessons in school and 17% didn't have a pool in their local area growing up. Data commissioned by easyJet Holidays also shows over 100 publicly accessible pools have closed across the nation over the last 20 years, with the average pool 4.3 miles from Brits' homes. Some (5%) say their local pool is now more than 10 miles away. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite this, 35% of non-swimmers would take up the opportunity to learn as an adult, with many reporting feelings of vulnerability (23%), embarrassment (22%) and self-consciousness (19%) about their inability to swim. Olympic swimmer Tom Dean partners with easyJet Holidays to launch a 'Swim School' programme, offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays, London. To help encourage adults across the country gain this vital skill, easyJet Holidays has partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean to launch a Swim School and offer free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays alongside national swim provider Better and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Tom Dean, a prominent water safety advocate who has addressed Parliament on the matter, and the RLSS UK share essential water safety tips for those learning to swim. These include pausing before taking the plunge, swimming with a buddy who can assist if needed, staying where your feet can touch the bottom of the pool and if in doubt, float it out. Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children: It wasn't seen as important (27%) The school didn't offer a learn to swim programme (24%) Parents couldn't swim, so they didn't teach me (24%) Parents didn't have time to take me to lessons (22%) Bad experience at an early age (21%) No pool nearby (17%) It was viewed as too dangerous (12%) Didn't have time during school (11%) Learning to swim isn't part of my culture or religion (7%) It was too expensive (7%) Olympic swimmer Tom Dean partners with easyJet Holidays to launch a 'Swim School' programme, offering free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays, London Almost a third (31%) of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they don't know how to swim themselves, and 32% say they fear they won't be able to help if something happens to their child in the pool. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The research also uncovered that 17% of Brits are scared to get in the pool while on holiday – with over one in 10 (11%) avoiding a beach holiday completely because they don't know how to swim. Additionally, 25% with a lack of swimming ability report it affecting the enjoyment of their holiday, with 18% wishing they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool. The skills gap could widen in the future as 14% of parents admitting they haven't enrolled their children in swimming lessons or aren't planning to teach them themselves, with 20% saying they don't have the time, 15% citing high costs and 13% believing it is too risky or dangerous. Tom Dean, Olympic swimmer, says: 'As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to learn swimming competencies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Whether it's staying with a buddy, or knowing your limits and sticking to areas where you can stand, it's never too late to learn how to swim – and thanks to easyJet Holidays Swim School, more people will have access.' Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: 'We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe's favourite destinations. That's why it's so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can't swim – something we're determined to help change. By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we're also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. 'We're thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim. Together, we're taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.' The new 'Swim School' offer is now available via the easyJet Holidays website, offering six free lessons to 1,000 British adults, available to redeem via your nearest Better Leisure Centre – with 250 spots being released each week for four weeks, from Monday 30 June. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For more information on Swim School and how to book, please visit
The Herald Scotland
30-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Britain facing swimming crisis as nine million admit they can't swim
While swimming and water safety are now a mandatory part of the national curriculum, one in five Brits were not offered swimming lessons in school and 17% didn't have a pool in their local area growing up. Data commissioned by easyJet Holidays also shows over 100 publicly accessible pools have closed across the nation over the last 20 years, with the average pool 4.3 miles from Brits' homes. Some (5%) say their local pool is now more than 10 miles away. Despite this, 35% of non-swimmers would take up the opportunity to learn as an adult, with many reporting feelings of vulnerability (23%), embarrassment (22%) and self-consciousness (19%) about their inability to swim. To help encourage adults across the country gain this vital skill, easyJet Holidays has partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean to launch a Swim School and offer free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays alongside national swim provider Better and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Tom Dean, a prominent water safety advocate who has addressed Parliament on the matter, and the RLSS UK share essential water safety tips for those learning to swim. These include pausing before taking the plunge, swimming with a buddy who can assist if needed, staying where your feet can touch the bottom of the pool and if in doubt, float it out. (Image: Will Ireland/PinPep) Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children: It wasn't seen as important (27%) The school didn't offer a learn to swim programme (24%) Parents couldn't swim, so they didn't teach me (24%) Parents didn't have time to take me to lessons (22%) Bad experience at an early age (21%) No pool nearby (17%) It was viewed as too dangerous (12%) Didn't have time during school (11%) Learning to swim isn't part of my culture or religion (7%) It was too expensive (7%) Almost a third (31%) of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they don't know how to swim themselves, and 32% say they fear they won't be able to help if something happens to their child in the pool. The research also uncovered that 17% of Brits are scared to get in the pool while on holiday – with over one in 10 (11%) avoiding a beach holiday completely because they don't know how to swim. Additionally, 25% with a lack of swimming ability report it affecting the enjoyment of their holiday, with 18% wishing they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool. The skills gap could widen in the future as 14% of parents admitting they haven't enrolled their children in swimming lessons or aren't planning to teach them themselves, with 20% saying they don't have the time, 15% citing high costs and 13% believing it is too risky or dangerous. Tom Dean said: 'As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to learn swimming competencies. 'Whether it's staying with a buddy, or knowing your limits and sticking to areas where you can stand, it's never too late to learn how to swim – and thanks to easyJet Holidays Swim School, more people will have access.' For more information on Swim School and how to book, please visit Visit to book your 2025/2026 package holiday at the best value. Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: 'We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe's favourite destinations. That's why it's so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can't swim – something we're determined to help change. By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we're also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. 'We're thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim. Together, we're taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.' The new 'Swim School' offer is now available via the easyJet Holidays website, offering six free lessons to 1,000 British adults, available to redeem via your nearest Better Leisure Centre – with 250 spots being released each week for four weeks, from Monday 30 June.
North Wales Live
30-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Britain facing swimming crisis as nine million admit they don't know how to swim
Britain is facing a swimming crisis with nine million British adults admitting they don't know how to swim. New research has uncovered that half (50%) of those who didn't learn as a child wanted to, while 42% admit to only staying in the shallow end and 33% now don't feel confident in the water at all. While swimming and water safety are now a mandatory part of the national curriculum, one in five Brits were not offered swimming lessons in school and 17% didn't have a pool in their local area growing up. Data commissioned by easyJet Holidays also shows over 100 publicly accessible pools have closed across the nation over the last 20 years, with the average pool 4.3 miles from Brits' homes. Some (5%) say their local pool is now more than 10 miles away. Video Loading Despite this, 35% of non-swimmers would take up the opportunity to learn as an adult, with many reporting feelings of vulnerability (23%), embarrassment (22%) and self-consciousness (19%) about their inability to swim. To help encourage adults across the country gain this vital skill, easyJet Holidays has partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean to launch a Swim School and offer free swimming lessons to 1,000 British adults ahead of the summer holidays alongside national swim provider Better and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Tom Dean, a prominent water safety advocate who has addressed Parliament on the matter, and the RLSS UK share essential water safety tips for those learning to swim. These include pausing before taking the plunge, swimming with a buddy who can assist if needed, staying where your feet can touch the bottom of the pool and if in doubt, float it out. Top 10 barriers to learning how to swim as children: It wasn't seen as important (27%) The school didn't offer a learn to swim programme (24%) Parents couldn't swim, so they didn't teach me (24%) Parents didn't have time to take me to lessons (22%) Bad experience at an early age (21%) No pool nearby (17%) It was viewed as too dangerous (12%) Didn't have time during school (11%) Learning to swim isn't part of my culture or religion (7%) It was too expensive (7%) Almost a third (31%) of parents worry about their children swimming on holiday because they don't know how to swim themselves, and 32% say they fear they won't be able to help if something happens to their child in the pool. The research also uncovered that 17% of Brits are scared to get in the pool while on holiday – with over one in 10 (11%) avoiding a beach holiday completely because they don't know how to swim. Additionally, 25% with a lack of swimming ability report it affecting the enjoyment of their holiday, with 18% wishing they could join their children or grandchildren in the pool. The skills gap could widen in the future as 14% of parents admitting they haven't enrolled their children in swimming lessons or aren't planning to teach them themselves, with 20% saying they don't have the time, 15% citing high costs and 13% believing it is too risky or dangerous. Tom Dean said: 'As an Olympic swimmer, I know the importance of learning water safety skills and am passionate about ensuring everyone across Britain has access to learn swimming competencies. 'Whether it's staying with a buddy, or knowing your limits and sticking to areas where you can stand, it's never too late to learn how to swim – and thanks to easyJet Holidays Swim School, more people will have access.' Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays, said: 'We know how much Brits love their summer beach holidays to Europe's favourite destinations. That's why it's so important to us to highlight the surprisingly high number of adults who can't swim – something we're determined to help change. By improving safety and helping more people fully enjoy the water, we're also offering a life skill that lasts far beyond the holiday itself. 'We're thrilled to partner with Olympic athlete Tom Dean and the Royal Life Saving Society UK to offer 1,000 British adults the opportunity to learn to swim. Together, we're taking a meaningful step towards closing the gap and giving more people the confidence and freedom to enjoy the water – on holiday and at home.' The new 'Swim School' offer is now available via the easyJet Holidays website, offering six free lessons to 1,000 British adults, available to redeem via your nearest Better Leisure Centre – with 250 spots being released each week for four weeks, from Monday 30 June.
