Water Safety

The passengers on the Forfarshire were so lucky to have Grace Darling and her Father at hand to save them but who would help if people were in danger now?

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and their seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches. Their Flood Rescue Team helps those affected by flooding.

WATER SAFETY IS SO IMPORTANT! Please click on the link below and scroll to the bottom of the webpage to watch the video clip about the RNLI.

Discuss with you child some of the things they like to do that involve water...

• Bath
• Paddling pool
• Water park
• Beach
• Rivers/Lakes
• Swimming pool

All these things are great fun but WATER CAN BE DANGEROUS AND WE MUST KNOW HOW TO STAY SAFE AROUND WATER!

The RNLI outline 4 rules for staying safe in and around water.

1.  STOP AND THINK  

This rule is about being detectives and thinking about and looking for any possible dangers that can be found in or around the water. Can you think of any?  Glass on the beach, tide coming in, currents,  jellyfish, sharp rocks, getting lost etc.  By spotting and thinking about dangers before you make a choice to  do something, you can help keep yourself and others safe.

Let’s have a look at this picture below, can you spot any dangers. 

2.  STAY TOGETHER

The second of important water safety rule is to stay together. What do you think this means? It means to always stay with the grown up who has taken you to the water. So, Mum, Dad, Gran, Grandad, Aunty or Uncle, carer or guardian.
Staying with an adult and holding their hand when you are asked to is important as it means they can make sure you don’t get lost on a busy beach. It also means that if you’re swimming in the water and you get into difficulty, that a grown up is there to help you.

3.  FLOAT

This rule is very important if you ever fall into cold water. If that happens, your body will be shocked by the cold temperature and this can make you gasp and swallow water. So instead you need to relax and float until you feel calm. A great place to practise your floating skills is during swimming lessons.

4. CALL 999/112 OR SHOUT FOR HELP

I’m sure you all know that police officers, fire fighters and ambulance crew are here to help us in an emergency. They will even help us if we get into trouble around water.
Now what do we call the people who look after you and GUARD your LIFE at the beach or pool?  That’s right! Lifeguards.

Look at the poster below from the RNLI.  Can you come up with your own poster to promote water safety?  Don't forget to include the four rules.