Drowning Prevention Week

The importance of water safety is key and supported by the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) Drowning Prevention Week initiative from 13 to 20 June 2026.

Recent national reports highlighting tragic child drowning incidents serve as an important reminder that water safety education has never been more vital.

At Westholme, swimming and water confidence form a key part of the curriculum. The school’s long-standing commitment is to ensure that all pupils achieve a swimming ability above the national average. According to Swim England one in three children in England leave primary school able to unable to swim 25 metres unaided.

At Westholme, all pupils benefit from regular swimming lessons in the school’s on-site 20-metre swimming pool. By the time they reach Prep 6, pupils are confidently able to swim more than two lengths using a range of strokes, significantly exceeding the national expectation.

The strength of the programme is reflected in the success of our Prep 6 swimmers, who last year competed on the national stage at the English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA) Primary Schools’ Team Championships. The team delivered an outstanding performance, breaking school records and securing a bronze medal in the medley relay. Building on that success, Westholme will once again be represented at the championships on 20 June, with pupils aiming to make another splash on the national stage.

As part of Drowning Prevention Week, pupils in Years 3 to 6 will take part in dedicated personal survival and water safety sessions. These lessons will focus on essential skills including safe self-rescue techniques, floating, treading water, recognising hazards and understanding how to respond in an emergency.

James Thompson, Swimming Coach at Westholme School, said: “Swimming is a life skill, and water safety education saves lives. We are proud that our pupils benefit from regular swimming lessons throughout their time in Prep School, helping them to develop confidence, competence and awareness in and around water. Drowning Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce these vital messages.”

While the activities form part of the national awareness campaign, Westholme’s focus on swimming and water safety is embedded throughout the year. Access to the school’s dedicated swimming pool enables pupils to build strong swimming foundations from an early age, ensuring they leave Prep School with the skills and confidence needed to stay safe around water.

For more information about Drowning Prevention Week, visit the RLSS UK campaign resources.