TotallyTween.co.uk and H2Open Magazine Support Drowning Prevention Week

TotallyTween, the secure digital platform for 8 to 12-year olds, and H2Open Magazine have just announced their support for Drowning Prevention Week (20 – 28 June), a campaign by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). TotallyTween’s audience is the very group RLSS UK is looking to target, with drowning being the third highest cause of accidental death of children. This important national campaign aims to teach families how to have fun and stay safe near water.

The RLSS UK is using schools, leisure centres, local communities, businesses and the media to get the water safety message across to children and their parents through free resources like lesson plans, pool session plans, films, games and activities, posters and safety leaflets.
RLSS UK’s Chief Executive, Di Steer, says: “We don’t want to discourage people from enjoying water however we want them to enjoy it safely, in designated, lifeguarded environments. Water is fantastic fun, but can be deadly. We urge as many people to get involved in Drowning Prevention Week as possible, anything from sharing our messages on social media to running a fundraising event, to maybe going into your child’s school with some of our resources, or visiting your local leisure centre to see what activities they are planning. Let’s help to reduce drowning together.”
Learning and understanding The SAFE Code below is the key message the RLSS UK is looking to drive home to children and their parents:
Part of TotallyTween’s ethos is to help children to get active. They are therefore encouraging youngsters to come along to the Open Water Swimming Show at the Henley Mile on 12 July where they will be sending some of their tween reporters to take part, interview the celebrity guest speakers and report on the event.
 
The SAFE Code
Spot – Spot the dangers
•             Check for hazards such as currents or deep water
•             Consider what could be hidden under the water
•             Be careful of unsafe banks, stay well back from the edge
 
Advice – Take advice
•             Always read the signs
•             Only swim where there is a lifeguard
•             Wear buoyancy aids and life jackets
 
Friend – Go with a friend
•             Always swim with friends or family
•             Friends can get help
•             Never swim alone
 
Emergency – Know what to do in an emergency
•             Find the nearest phone and call 999
•             Shout loudly to attract attention
•             Never enter the water to save someone
 
For more information, contact dpw@rlss.org.uk or see www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/drowning-prevention-week