28/11/2023

Swimming teachers from leisure operator Better are using the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)’s winter water safety resources as part of their roadshow tour around England. 

Visiting schools in Bath and North East Somerset, Basingstoke, Cardiff, Reading, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire and Swindon, the team will be encouraging children to stay around water during the winter months.

In total there will be 60 roadshow presentations given by Better and the interactive sessions aim to explore the serious issue of water safety, in a fun and engaging way.

As the temperature drops so does the water temperature and this is where we can see people getting into difficulty if they find themselves in the freezing waters. In RLSS UK’s analysis of outdoor drownings in the UK, cold water shock was cited in 38% of cases. Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said, “In winter, children and pets are particularly at risk when tempted to play on the ice formed on open water, and adults can find themselves at risk in attempting to save them.

“Taking a nice walk in cold weather with your family, friends or dogs in tow can be really refreshing, just make sure you know some simple tips on how to stay safe in winter. RLSS UK have lots of safety advice on our website and we are grateful to Better for using our winter water safety resources and helping to spread these vital messages.”

The sessions include posters and visuals from RLSS UK as well as the swimming teachers creating role play scenarios with ‘Waffle’ the dog, and what to do if a dog or person falls into the water. As well as this, the roadshow focuses on the dangers of walking on ice and symptoms of hypothermia, should someone fall into the water when temperatures are cold.

View winter water safety advice