Aquadrome swimming assembly teaches kids to be safe

This initiative is part of a scheme by the aquatics team to teach primary school children about the importance of swimming and staying safe in water.

The recent session at Oakley Infants School was led by swimming teacher Becky Tyler, with support from Lucie Watts, aquatics operational support coordinator for Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, which manages the facilities.

Lucie said: "On average, around 400 people accidentally drown in the UK each year.

Aquatics team brings vital water safety lessons to Oakley Infants School (Image: Supplied) "In these assemblies, we want to get across to the children the importance of learning to swim, but we also want them to be more aware about water safety overall, whether that’s in a swimming pool, the beach or any body of water."

The assemblies use resources from the Royal Life Saving Society to teach children about the RLSS Water Safety Code, how to contact emergency services, and the meanings of different signs and flags.

Heather Barrett, a year one teacher at Oakley Infants School, said: "Water safety is paramount and we were delighted that Becky and Lucie could support the children at our school developing their understanding on how to stay safe."

Councillor Kerry Morrow, cabinet member for sport, leisure and culture at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, praised the scheme: "Water safety is so important whether it’s at the local swimming pool or the beach.

"It is great to see the teams visiting local schools to support and educate our young people on how to stay safe in or near water."