Yorkshire Water launches free water safety sessions after spate of deaths

The water safety education programme is part of Yorkshire Water’s plans to mark Drowning Prevention Week, which runs from June 13 to 20 and aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe in and around water.

The water provider’s education team will deliver free live virtual water safety sessions for schools, alongside in-person water safety assemblies at two Yorkshire Water schools located on the East coast.

The sessions will remind pupils of the hidden dangers of open water, such as reservoirs, rivers, canals, lakes and coastal areas.

It comes just weeks after warm weather saw a number of deaths across the region, with people getting into difficulty in open water.

Muhammed Secka’s body was found the day after emergency services were called to Rother Valley Country Park, in South Yorkshire, on May 25.

Reco Puttock, 13, died after getting into difficulty at Leadbeater Dam, near Halifax, on the same day, while Palwasha Akbar, 13, was playing in the River Wharfe at Burnsall in North Yorkshire, on May 31. She got into difficulty in the river and was rescued but later died in hospital.

The sessions will be held on June 17 and 18 throughout the course of the day, and will be delivered via Microsoft Teams.

Anne Reed, Yorkshire Water’s social value and education manager, said: “With the summer holidays approaching and warmer weather encouraging more people outdoors, it is important that children and young people understand the risk associated with open water.

“Education plays a vital role in preventing tragedies, and we are proud to support Drowning Prevention Week by helping thousands of pupils across Yorkshire to learn potentially lifesaving skills.”

Schools interested in learning more about Yorkshire Water’s education programme can find out more via the website www.yorkshirewater.com/education

For more information about Drowning Prevention Week, visit the Royal Life Saving Society UK website www.rlss.org.uk/.