Chichester Swim School

71% of child drownings occur between May and August, which is why the RLSS campaigns every year during Drowning Prevention Week.

Accidents are often preventable with the right knowledge and judgement. Here are tips for staying safe in and around the water this summer:

⚠️ Stop and Think – Is the area safe?

👨‍👧 Stay Together – Swim in lifeguarded areas where possible, and don't go too far from the shore or poolside.

📞 Call 999 in an Emergency – If you're at the coast, ask for the Coastguard.

🛟 Float – If you fall into the water or become tired, stay calm, float on your back, and call for help. If you see someone else in trouble, throw them something that floats.

Make sure the whole family knows the basics of water safety and what to do if they unexpectedly end up in the water.

You can access FREE RLSS UK resources to help: https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/parentsresources

Drowning Prevention Week starts today and we're showing our support by sharing important messages from the RLSS throughout the week!

The aim of the week is to educate children aged 5 to 17 every June with crucial water safety advice ahead of the summer holidays, when young people are spending more time outdoors and around water and need these skills and knowledge the most, so everyone can enjoy water safely.

Drowning is preventable. No one should drown.

Always follow the water safety code.

We can all contribute to creating communities free from drowning.

We are thrilled to have introduced our 'Home Education' sessions this academic year as part of our Swimming program. These sessions vary in style and layout depending on the needs of the children attending, but offer a similar program and structure to our 'Learn to Swim' lessons, but during the school day.

As this is still growing, we have a few options available, so please do get in touch if this sounds like something that could work for your family.

📩 [email protected]
📲 07783939559

Wishing you all a happy half term! ☀️

As always, some of our team will be helping to run the swimming sessions for CSS Activities over the break.

We hope you enjoy the lovely sunshine safely, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the pool on Monday 1st June 💙

Day 7: Open Water 🌊

Open water swimming is not only an invigorating way to connect with nature, but it also offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. However, it's important to approach it with preparation and safety in mind.

Before you swim check list:
✅ Check weather, water conditions and any safety signage
✅ Tell someone your plans, or even better, swim with friends
✅ Choose a recognised swimming location
✅ Wear and bright swim hat and take a tow float for visibility
✅ In the event of an emergency, call 999 and never enter the water to attempt a rescue
✅ Know what to do if you or someone else gets into difficulty

A quick check can make all the difference!

Day 6: First Aid ⛑️

When it comes to first aid, there are so many myths and misconceptions that can sometimes do more harm than good.

Knowing the correct first aid response, whether around water, at home, or out and about can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.

The STA have shared this helpful myth-busting graphic to raise awareness of some commonly misunderstood first aid advice.

Learning even basic first aid skills can help build confidence, improve safety awareness, and potentially save lives.

Day 5: Train More Teachers 💦

Turn your passion into a career and inspire confidence through swimming.

Today we’re highlighting the many pathways and opportunities available within the aquatics industry, including the vital role of swim teachers. The STA have shared this really helpful graphic to showcase potential career pathways within swimming and aquatics.

Teaching swimming is a flexible, active, and incredibly rewarding career. From helping little ones experience their first splash to supporting swimmers in developing confidence and life-saving skills, swim teachers make a real difference every single day.

Whether starting out in teaching, lifeguarding, coaching, or other aquatic roles, the industry offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about swimming, wellbeing, and water safety.

Day 4: Swimming Across The World 🌍

Swimming across the world is a subject very close to our hearts here at Chichester Swim School! Water Safety is a universal focus. We have partnered with an amazing swimming programme over in Uganda at Lake Bunyonyi, helping to teach the lake communities how to swim to prevent the sadly regular occurrences of drowning in and around the lake.

Debbie has led this initiative with her first trip last summer, joined by Charlie earlier this year, and they are hoping to head back out again in October. We're thrilled to be supporting such a wonderful organisation and hope our involvement helps make a difference.