Pupils at St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Stratford upon Avon, are all set to welcome local MP, Nadhim Zahawi, to join their water safety session, alongside Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) representatives Emily Morris and Isabel Pitts.

RLSS UK’s Adopt A School (AAS) scheme, started life as part of the charity’s Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) and looks to empower members, volunteers, parents and teachers, to access and promote effective water safety education in their local schools and help save lives.

Armed with free resources and safe in the knowledge that all aspects meet KS2 national curriculum standards (or equivalent), AAS has already proved a valuable addition to the DPW toolkit, as an achievable way to educate children and help to prevent tragic losses of life to drowning.

Emily Morris, RLSS UK Corporate Assistant said: “Around 400 people lose their life to drowning with thousands more suffering life-changing injuries through near-drowning experiences. Our Adopt A School scheme plays a vital role in educating youngsters on how to keep them and their friends safe, around water, whatever time of year.”

Nadhim Zahawi said: “As Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention, I am delighted that initiatives like Adopt A School exist and are proving so effective at keeping people safe, whatever their age. I am looking forward to seeing what the session has in store for me!”

RLSS UK Volunteer Officer, Isabel Pitts added: “It’s our job to make sure that Adopt A School is not only effective in its education but the children have fun too – it’s a sure-fire way make sure the message hits home. If the children can take important lessons away from our session, to share with family and friends – so much the better for everyone!” 

For more information on water safety, Adopt A School and Drowning Prevention Week, visit: rlss.org.uk/water-safety