Youngsters in fun way to learn lifesaving skill

AS part of this month’s Learn to Swim Week, children from Stockport Puddle Ducks, which holds lessons at the Seashell Trust in Cheadle, have been helping to raise awareness of water safety by wearing their pyjamas during swimming lessons.

The Swimming Teachers’ Association organises a water safety campaign, Learn to Swim Week, which aims to encourage people to learn to swim, but also to do so safely.

In support of this Puddle Ducks held a weeklong Pyjama event where babies and children attended lessons dressed in their pyjamas, which helped them to learn water safety and survival skills.

A recent study from the Chief Fire Officers Association identified that ‘44 per cent of people who drown had no intention of entering the water’* which suggests they weren’t taking part in a water-based activity, and were fully clothed at the time.

Rachel Bateson from Puddle Ducks explained, “The STA is a leading UK charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming, lifesaving and survival techniques. At Puddle Ducks we understand how fantastic swimming is and how important it is to swim safely.

“As statistics show a large percentage of people who drown enter the water accidentally, which creates a different situation and feeling in the water.

“During our PJ Week parents and children wear pyjamas during lessons which provides a good indication of what it would be like to be fully clothed in the water, should they ever be in that situation.

“This is a great way of teaching our students lifesaving skills in a fun relaxed environment.”

Puddle Ducks provides award-winning swimming programmes for 10-year-olds and under. Taught by experts, they focus on teaching independent swimming in a nurturing environment with individually tailored activities to suit all abilities.

The Stockport Puddle Ducks classes are held at the Seashell Trust in Cheadle. For more information on classes call 01477 410080 or visit www.puddleducks.com/ midcheshire. »●*Statistics from the Chief Fire Officers Association http:// www.cfoa.org. uk/21142.