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Free water safety sessions for children to be held in Harrogate

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 16:02

Water Babies North Yorkshire is taking water safety into local schools.

Free water safety sessions for children are set to be held in Harrogate this summer as part of an initiative to help families stay safe around water.

With summer fast approaching and families spending more time around pools, rivers and the coast, Water Babies North Yorkshire is offering free water safety sessions at local pools from the week commencing 15th June.

The sessions come during Drowning Prevention Week and follows recent tragic incidents across the UK, highlighting the importance of equipping children with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water.

Designed to be fun, interactive and memorable, the sessions will teach children essential lifesaving skills, from understanding pool rules to recognising the dangers of open water.

Alongside the free sessions, Water Babies North Yorkshire has also been visiting schools across the region this term to deliver water safety talks and practical activities.

During a recent visit to The Mount School in York, 70 children aged four to 11 took part in a programme of water safety and swimming activities. Pupils developed key skills including floating, sculling and basic survival techniques, helping to build both confidence and awareness in the water.

Charlotte, a Swimming Teacher from Water Babies North Yorkshire, said:

"Learning to swim is not just about having fun, it’s a lifesaving skill.

"We want every child to feel confident and know how to stay safe, whether they're at the pool, the beach, or near open water.

"By taking these sessions into schools, we’re reaching children who might not otherwise have access to this knowledge, and that can make a real difference."

The free water safety sessions will be available in Harrogate, as well as Ripon, Thirsk, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Malton, Helmsley and York.

Find out more at https://waterbabies.co.uk/

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