Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

The Emotions

Best Of My Love

Listen Live

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/

More from Local News

Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university

A Ripon swimming star is set to take her talents to the United States after earning a place at an American university.
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb

Ripon's Workhouse Museum has reopened after a £2.8 million redevelopment that promises to immerse visitors in the realities of Victorian life.
"Serious unresolved legal questions" remain over A1(M) services plan, claim campaigners

Campaigners opposing the proposed Vale of York motorway service area (MSA) have urged councillors to consider what they describe as "serious unresolved legal questions" before determining the application.
North Yorkshire councillors with low attendance will not be asked to pay back allowances

Six North Yorkshire councillors whose attendance at committee meetings fell below the expected level will not be asked to pay back any of their allowances.
Whixley Women's Institute celebrates 100th anniversary

Whixley Women's Institute has celebrated its centenary with a special afternoon bringing together past and present members.
Harrogate care home welcomes children for teddy bears' picnic

Residents at a care home in Harrogate have enjoyed a bear-y special afternoon with local children.
Ofsted praises Ripon school where pupils 'thrive academically and socially'

A Ripon primary school has been praised by Ofsted after inspectors said pupils "thrive academically and socially."
Ripon paddling pool opens in time for school holidays

Families can enjoy a refurbished paddling pool in Ripon during the school summer holidays after it opened on Friday (17th July).
New café and bakery to open in Harrogate tomorrow - with free brownies

A new independent bakery is set to open its doors in Harrogate tomorrow – and every customer will receive a free brownie while stocks last.
WATCH: Free Fuel Fairy fuels drivers on Wetherby Road

Your Harrogate's Free Fuel Fairy fuelled people instead of cars this week.
Free bike repair event coming to Valley Gardens

Cyclists can get their bikes checked and repaired for free in Harrogate tomorrow (Saturday).