Children in Yorkshire to be given virtual open water safety lessons
6/13/2025
Yorkshire Water is urging schools to sign up to its virtual sessions aimed at educating students on the dangers open water poses as part of The Royal Life Saving Society's (RLSS) Drowning Prevention Week (14-21 June).
Drowning Prevention Week focuses on educating families, carers, teachers, and instructors about water safety, particularly for children aged 5 to 15. The goal is to prevent accidental drownings and ensure people enjoy water safely.
On Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 June, Yorkshire Water’s education team is hosting a number of virtual sessions aimed at educating students on the dangers open water poses, such as cold water shock, hidden undercurrents and unseen operational machinery, as well as how to keep themselves and their friends safe and what to do in an emergency situation.
Anne Reed, education manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “With temperatures on the rise and the summer holidays fast approaching, we understand how tempting open water can appear to young people wanting to cool off and have some fun.
“However, open water is extremely cold, even on warm days, and can cause cold water shock that may lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties and ultimately death. Unseen dangers under the water, such as objects or strong currents associated with machinery present in reservoirs, are also a potential hazard for people choosing to enter the water.
“The aim of our live water safety lessons is to explain how students can help keep themselves and their friends safe, endorse messaging about where to find safe places to swim, and explain in detail why there are hidden dangers in open water areas, how to react and who to contact in an emergency situation.”
Each session is specifically tailored to different age groups, from Early Years to KS4 and will be delivered live by education advisers via Microsoft Teams. Each lasting approximately 30 minutes, the sessions will take place at the following times:
Wednesday 18th June
- EYFS/KS1 - 9.00am
- EYFS/KS1 - 9.45am
- KS2 - 11.15am
- KS2 - 1.15pm
- KS2 - 2.15pm
Thursday 19th June
- KS3/4 - 2.00pm
For KS3 and KS4, Yorkshire Water has teamed up with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for a tailored session for teenagers.