This new initiative is designed to reach at least 4,000 children at up to 80 schools across the Black Country to raise awareness and knowledge of water safety and improve National Curriculum Safe Self-Rescue attainment rates.
Aimed at Years 5 and 6, the fully funded programme of lessons in and out of the water will target 20 schools in the
four local authority areas where water safety attainment rates are the lowest.
The national curriculum requires primary school leavers to be able to perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations, swim competently, confidently, and proficiently over at least 25 metres and use a range of strokes effectively.
According to Active Black Country’s annual school swimming survey in 2023, 48% of primary school leavers are unable to demonstrate safe self-rescue.
Swim England has teamed up with the STA to create a nine-point plan to help clarify national curriculum guidelines around performing safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.
Pupils practicing their reach and rescue skills
Pupils identifying hazards around the canal
Please contact your local Water Safety Coordinator to find out more information.
Dudley
Claire Porter: claire.porter@activeblackcountry.co.ukSandwell Leisure Trust
Emma Beddowes: emma.beddowes@activeblackcountry.co.ukPlaces Leisure West Bromwich
Kate Harrison: kate.harrison@activeblackcountry.co.ukWalsall
Michelle Rollinson: michelle.rollinson@activeblackcountry.co.ukWolverhampton
Helen Bourton: helen.bourton@connectedpartnership.com
We have provided a range of lesson plans, practical activities and interactive videos to support the delivery of the programme at your school.
Here are some digital assets to help your school to communicate the benefits of the programme to parents and to promote it on your social media channels and platforms.
