Council steps up swimming sessions as Yorkshire Water warns over river and reservoir deaths

There were major concerns after four teenagers drowned in rivers and reservoirs across Yorkshire as a heatwave hit in the May half term.

Now, as Yorkshire Water issues a safety appeal at the start of the school summer holidays, there are further moves to help build children's skills.

In South Yorkshire, Rotherham Council has launched free swimming sessions for children at its four Places Leisure centres.

There are also free inflatable splash sessions at three more swimming pools in the district.

The aim of the project is to make swimming more accessible for families, building confidence in the water, and shining a light on the health and happiness it can bring.

Coun Lynda Marshall, cabinet member for leisure and green spaces, said: "We want every child in Rotherham to have the chance to enjoy safe swimming this summer, regardless of their family's circumstances.

"We know that many families are feeling the pinch due to the cost of living at the moment," she added. "Hopefully this scheme will help ease the pressure on families as well as providing a fun activity for children during the summer break."

It comes after Yorkshire Water issued a warning to stay safe around open water and particularly reservoirs, lakes, quarries, rivers, and canals.

Thousands more children and young people are set to spend more time outdoors with schools having broken up for the summer holidays and with warmer weather this July.

But while reservoirs can appear calm and inviting on a hot day, the water board has said, they are "extremely dangerous" places to swim.

Anne Reed, education and social value manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “The summer holidays are a time for making memories with family and friends and we want everyone to enjoy them safely, which means staying out of reservoirs and other dangerous open water.

“Reservoirs may look calm, but they can be extremely dangerous," she added.

"The water stays cold even during hot weather, and hidden hazards below the surface can quickly turn a fun day into a tragedy."

Ashley Jones is head of water safety at the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), and said it is vital to have water safety conversations with children and practice self-rescue skills.

"Making sure you’re ready with water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills is just as important as remembering to pack suncream," he added, urging people to read the Water Safety Code and understand what to do in an emergency.