Drowning Prevention Week: how your child can learn to stay safe around water
What water safety lessons at school really teach — and how you can support them this summer
Drowning Prevention Week (14–21 June 2025) is here – and with summer holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to understand what your child is actually learning about water safety at school – and what you can do to help them learn more.
From swimming strokes to spotting risky situations, water safety is more than just a term-time activity – it’s a life skill that can (literally) save lives. Luckily, it’s already on the curriculum, with government-backed support. But as parents, there are also simple ways we can boost that learning at home, on holiday and during everyday play.
Water safety is part of the National Curriculum – and starts early
If your child’s in primary school, they’re already learning crucial water safety skills as part of PE. By the end of Year 6, all children should be able to:
- Swim 25 metres unaided
- Use a range of swimming strokes
- Perform safe self-rescue in different water situations
These sessions aim to build both capability and confidence – whether your child is in a local pool, paddling in a stream or jumping waves at the seaside.
The Department for Education works closely with expert organisations such as Swim England, the RNLI and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to make sure schools have the resources and support they need to teach this effectively.
What kids are also learning in PSHE
Beyond swimming lessons, water safety is also taught as part of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education). This helps children understand risk and make safer choices – from recognising fast currents to knowing why inflatables can be dangerous at sea.
For secondary-age pupils, new water safety lesson packs are now available thanks to a collaboration between the Canal and River Trust and the PSHE Association, helping build on what was learned in primary.
There’s extra help for children who need more support
Government funding through the PE and sport premium allows primary schools to offer extra lessons and teacher training – especially for children who are not yet confident swimmers.
This funding can also be used to make swimming more accessible for children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). The Inclusion 2028 programme, led by the Youth Sport Trust, is focused on supporting these children through adapted teaching and tailored resources, now available on Swim England’s Inclusion Hub.
How you can help your child learn more about water safety
While schools are doing the heavy lifting during term time, there are plenty of ways parents can reinforce these lessons in everyday life:
1. Talk about water safety during days out
Heading to a park with a pond? Visiting the beach? Take a moment to point out signs, flags or safety equipment. Explain why they matter – even if you're just having a picnic near a river.
2. Practise safety rules together
Make it a habit to ask questions like: "What would you do if you fell in?" or "Where’s the nearest lifeguard?" Keep it calm and age-appropriate, but help your child think through real scenarios.
3. Encourage swimming outside of school
If possible, take your child swimming regularly – especially if they’re lacking confidence. Leisure centres often offer short-term summer sessions or refresher courses during the holidays.
4. Use online resources and games
The RLSS UK offers free videos and interactive activities aimed at helping children learn through play. Try the Water Smart game or explore Swim England’s family-friendly materials.
5. Be water-safe yourself
Kids follow your lead. Wearing a life jacket during boat rides, obeying local water safety signs, and not swimming in unsafe areas all help reinforce safe habits.
“Swimming and water safety is about confidence, not just capability”
The Department for Education says: “Swimming and water safety is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum at primary school to make sure that children are well equipped to enjoy swimming and know how to keep safe in and around water.”
This message becomes even more relevant during the summer months, when many families are near water more often, whether in the UK or abroad.
Drowning Prevention Week is led by the RLSS UK and aims to raise awareness of how easily water accidents can happen, especially when children overestimate their ability or underestimate the danger.
Where to find more support
Looking to keep the learning going? These resources can help:
- Swim England’s School Swimming and Water Safety Charter – includes tools for parents and schools alike
- Royal Life Saving Society UK’s water safety hub – full of family-friendly activities and advice
- Swim England’s Inclusion Hub – focused on making swimming accessible to all children, including those with SEND
Need-to-know: water safety in school and at home
- All primary pupils are expected to swim 25m unaided by Year 6
- Schools teach rescue skills and risk awareness through PE and PSHE
- Government funding supports extra help for pupils, especially those with SEND
- Parents can reinforce learning with regular swimming, safety chats and online tools
For more, visit rlss.org.uk, swimming.org or ask your child’s school what resources they’re using.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.