#GetWaterWise: Londoners encouraged to learn basic water skills
A rise in accidental drownings is feared this summer
Last updated 27th Jun 2021
Londoners of all ages are being encouraged to learn basic water skills this summer.
With a rise in accidental drownings predicted this summer organisations and groups are encouraging people to know the dangers and learn basic swimming skills.
Water Babies is a swim school that runs classes nationally, focusing on water engagement in the early years.
Tamsin says its important babies and children learn the basics, as they will remember them even after a break from the water:
"You can do so many skills like kicking in a bath, sitting on the floor of the shower with buckets and spades or coloured paint.
"Engaging them with the water creatively and they take that skill to other waters.
"You know... getting used to water being poured over their heads from a bucket or the shower, its a safe way to make them comfortable and learn how to react.
"Coming back from Covid-19 a lot of the younger children took a few lessons to get back to their previous level but that was confidence.
"You'll find that when they have that skill and its built on they will remember it, it just might take some time."
She says its also important to make sure children are not left unattended near water, whether that's a bath, paddling pool or at the seaside.
As part of Drowning Prevention Week they've spoken to parents and carers about water confidence.
However, Tamsin says its not just about little ones, adults should also be looking to learn basic swim skills:
"Whether you are two or ninety-two being able to swim opens up so many opportunities for you, and its such an important skill.
"There are some basic things people should confident in like treading water, so that if you fell into water you can get to the surface and be able to think about next steps.
"Knowing the reach out for things, so if you get into a stream or river to reach out to a branch or the river bank.
"Of course there is also floating, so if you get into difficulty you can get to the surface float, breathe and take some time to think and not panic."