Nearly 2,500 children across the Harrogate area have received vital water safety education thanks to experts from Harrogate School of Swimming.
The swim school has taken its water safety message beyond the pool by visiting local schools and nurseries to deliver talks and book readings aimed at helping children stay safe around water.
Leading the initiative has been Head of Baby Swimming Sarah, who has spent the year building relationships with education settings across the area.
By the end of the school term, Sarah will have visited 28 schools, reaching around 1,572 children, as well as 39 nurseries where a further estimated 920 children have taken part.
In total, approximately 2,492 children will have received water safety education through the programme this year.
A spokesperson for Harrogate School of Swimming said:
"Water safety has always been at the heart of what we do at Harrogate School of Swimming.
"At the start of this year, we decided to take that commitment further — by stepping outside the pool and into the classroom.
"Sarah, our Head of Baby Swimming, has spent the year working hard to build relationships with local nurseries and schools, arranging in-person visits to deliver water safety talks and book readings to children across the area.
"Having reviewed our progress this week, the results speak for themselves.
"By the end of term, Sarah will have visited 28 schools, reaching approximately 1,572 children, alongside visits to 39 nurseries reaching an estimated 920 children.
"In total, that's around 2,492 children who will have received a water safety talk and discussion this year.
"This work feels more important than ever. With several tragic water-related deaths reported across the UK this year, we believe that early education is one of the most powerful tools we have to help keep children safe around water."
They added:
"We're incredibly proud of the commitment our team — and Sarah in particular — has shown to the local community this year.
"Our hope is that, through these visits, local children and families feel a little more informed and confident enjoying the water safely over the summer months ahead.
"Harrogate School of Swimming will continue to prioritise community outreach and water safety education as a core part of our mission, both in and out of the pool."
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