YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to have a safe and splashing good time as part of an initiative to support Drowning Prevention Week.
Everyone Active, which runs district council-owned leisure centres in Stratford, Shipston, Southam and Studley, is offering free swimming for youngsters from Monday (June 20) until Friday (June 24).
It means those who currently have school swimming lessons at one of the four centres will now be able to enjoy the pool outside of their lessons.
Recent figures revealed one person drowns every 20 hours in the UK and Royal Life Save Society Drowning Prevention Week aims to teach people how to stay safe near water.
Everyone Active contract manager, Toni Gaskins, said: “We are delighted to support Drowning Prevention Week by offering children who are currently taught in our school swimming lessons free swimming during our Swim for Everyone sessions.
“Swimming is a vital skill and this is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to build their confidence in the water, and practise their skills with family and friends.”
Children will also receive a school swimming passport, which they can have stamped each time they swim.
When completed, youngsters can hand their passport into the centre to be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a group swimming lesson for their class taught by Olympian, Rebecca Adlington.
District council community spokesman, Mike Brain, added: “Swimming is such an important life skill and is the only sport that can save lives.
“Drowning Prevention Week is an ideal opportunity to re-inforce those messages on how to stay safe around water and I would encourage all those that have swimming lessons at our centres to take advantage of these free swimming sessions.”
Visit www.everyoneactive.com for further information.
