05/10/2026
A child who can swim 25 metres may still not know what to do if they unexpectedly fall into cold or open water.
Swimming ability mattersโbut water safety must be taught deliberately too.
Children need age-appropriate opportunities to understand:
๐ how rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea differ from a swimming pool;
โ ๏ธ how to recognise hazards;
๐ฃ how to call for help without putting themselves in danger;
๐ how to float, orientate themselves and conserve energy; and
๐ช how to enter and exit the water safely.
These messages can begin in the classroom through assemblies and dry-side learning, but they should also connect to appropriate practical teaching and assessment in the water.
At Swim:ED, water safety is built into the programme rather than saved for a brief conversation at the end. We can also support schools through assemblies and classroom-based sessions.
Ask a child today: โWhat would you do if you unexpectedly fell into deep water?โ Their answer may start an important conversation.