Winter Water Safety Programme

Water safety is a topic that deserves our full attention — especially when it comes to children. At The Little Swim Club, keeping little swimmers safe, confident, and informed is at the heart of everything we do.

During the winter months in particular, water safety awareness becomes even more important. Pools, beaches, holidays abroad, inflatables, and everyday water exposure all come with risks that children may not yet understand. That’s why, once a term, we run a dedicated Water Safety Week as part of our lessons.

Why Water Safety Matters

Recent years have shown a concerning rise in water-related accidents involving children. Tragically, 125 children have accidentally lost their lives to drowning in the last four years. Behind every statistic is a family forever changed — and many of these incidents are preventable with the right education and supervision.

Our aim is not to alarm parents, but to empower families with knowledge, awareness, and practical skills that can genuinely save lives.

Starting Early Makes a Difference

Children benefit enormously from starting swimming lessons as early as possible. Early exposure helps them:

• Feel comfortable and calm around water

• Learn how their body moves and floats

• Develop early safety awareness

• Build confidence that stays with them for life

Swimming isn’t just a sport — it’s a life skill.

Active Supervision Is Essential

One of the most important water safety messages we share is that active supervision is always needed, even when a lifeguard is present. Lifeguards are there for overall pool safety, but parents and carers remain the first line of protection.

A watchful eye, close proximity, and full attention can make all the difference.

Understanding Floatation Devices & Inflatables

Floatation aids and inflatables are often seen as safety tools, but it’s important to understand their limitations.

• Floatation devices are not life preservers — they are designed to support play, not replace supervision.

• Inflatables can easily be blown away, especially at the beach or in open water.

• Children should never be left unattended on inflatables, even in shallow water.

Part of water safety education is helping children understand that fun equipment still requires caution and adult guidance.

What Is Water Safety Week?

Once a term, our lessons include a focused Water Safety Week, where children learn:

• How to stay calm in the water

• Simple floating and self-support techniques

• How to move safely near pool edges

• Basic awareness of dangers around water

All teaching is age-appropriate, gentle, and reassuring — never frightening. The goal is confidence, not fear.

Working Together to Keep Children Safe

Water safety works best when parents, instructors, and children are all part of the conversation. By reinforcing these lessons at home and staying engaged during swimming journeys, families help turn awareness into lifelong habits.

At The Little Swim Club, we are proud to support children not only in learning how to swim, but in learning how to stay safe.

Because every lesson, every small win, and every safety skill matters — one splash at a time.