A swimming club is urging families to prioritise water safety education following a series of tragic drownings.
Droitwich Spa Lifesaving Club issued the call after at least 15 people, including children and teenagers, died in open water incidents during the May heatwave.
The deaths have prompted renewed focus on the importance of water safety education, particularly for young people.
The club, which is affiliated with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), said the incidents underscored the urgent need to teach children how to stay safe in and around water.
An RLSS UK spokesman said: “Warmer weather unfortunately sees an increase in accidental drownings.
“Water temperatures remain very cold despite increased air temperatures, and cold water shock can make swimming difficult and harder to get out of.”
Droitwich Spa Lifesaving Club practising their skills at Droitwich Lido (Image: Droitwich Spa Lifesaving Club)
During the May bank holiday, temperatures soared to a record-breaking 35.1°C at Kew Gardens, with many of the victims entering rivers, lakes, or reservoirs to cool off, unaware of the cold temperatures beneath the surface.
The RLSS UK warned that the risk of accidental drowning increases fivefold when air temperatures reach 25°C.
Jim Bridge, from the Water Safety Partnership, appeared on BBC Breakfast and advised those who find themselves in difficulty in open water to use the ‘Float to Live’ technique.
Mr Bridge said: “Lie on your back with your head back, with your ears submerged, use your arms and legs to stabilise yourself and just let your breathing come back to a normal breathing pattern.
“When you are feeling confident that your breathing is normal, you can shout for help or swim to save yourself.”
During refurbishment work at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, the club has been training at Droitwich Lido, giving younger members supervised experience in open-air swimming and essential safety skills.
The club offers the RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard Programme, which covers first aid, rescue skills, communications, hazard awareness, and swimming.
The programme is open to children aged nine and above.
They plan to welcome new members when they return to the refurbished Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre in September.
Families interested in signing up are encouraged to join the waiting list.
More information is available at droitwichlifesaving.org.uk.
