North East leisure centres are raising awareness about water safety during Drowning Prevention Week, following a tragic May heatwave that claimed at least 17 lives in water-related incidents across the UK.
Life-Saving Skills in Pools
GLL, the social enterprise operating leisure centres under the Better brand, is running special sessions at venues including East End Pool, Gosforth Leisure Centre, Blaydon Leisure Centre, Birtley Leisure Centre, Dunston Leisure Centre, and Heworth Leisure Centre. These facilities are supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) Drowning Prevention Week, from June 13 to 20.
Over the past five years, an average of 723 people drowned annually in the UK and Ireland, with 71% of child drownings occurring between May and August, according to RLSS UK. The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) reports a 67% increase in child drowning deaths from 2020-2022 to 2023-2025.
Essential Self-Rescue Techniques
During Drowning Prevention Week, Better Swim School sessions and school swimming lessons focus on equipping children with water safety knowledge. Pupils learn essential self-rescue techniques and how to safely assist others in emergencies.
Higher stage Development and Academy swimmers will participate in supervised pyjama sessions, experiencing the challenge of being in water fully clothed. This prepares them to respond effectively if they ever find themselves in difficulty.
Stephen Carr, Better’s Aquatics Manager for Gateshead, said: "Learning to swim is a vital life skill that can help keep you safe in and around water. Even basic water safety skills, such as floating and treading water, can make a significant difference in an emergency."
He added: "Swimming also builds confidence, supports physical wellbeing, and allows people to enjoy water safely throughout their lives. We are proud to play our part in ensuring families stay safe this summer and are urging parents to access the free water safety resources available on the RLSS website."
Water Safety Code
Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety Education at RLSS UK, said: "We are grateful to GLL for their support in amplifying Drowning Prevention Week's key water safety messages nationwide. By working together, we can all help create communities free from drowning."
The Water Safety Code is designed to be simple and memorable. Key advice includes: Stop and Think – assess your surroundings, look for dangers, and research local signs and advice. Stay Together – always go with friends or family and swim at a lifeguarded venue. In an emergency: Call 999, do not enter the water to rescue, float on your back and call for help, and throw something that floats to someone who has fallen in.
