A swim school owner from Warminster is volunteering her time to deliver free water safety assemblies in primary schools across the area as the summer holidays approach.
Zoë Ellis, who runs SwimStars, has been visiting schools to teach children practical safety skills aimed at reducing risk around water.
She recently led sessions at the Minster CofE Primary School and Sambourne CofE Primary School, where children were taught about water safety to help them develop vital skills which could help save a life.
The sessions cover recognising hazards, the Water Safety Code, and how to respond in an emergency.
“Not every family is able to access swimming lessons, and I completely understand that,” said Zoë. “But every child should have the opportunity to learn how to stay safe around water. That’s why I wanted to take this message directly into schools.”
With more families visiting beaches, rivers, lakes and swimming pools during the summer months, Zoë hopes the sessions will give children the knowledge and confidence to make safer choices around water, especially open water.
The initiative has been welcomed by local schools, with teachers recognising the importance of preparing children for the increased exposure to water during the school holidays. After a number of drownings in the recent heatwave, there has been an even higher demand.
Zoë has taught thousands of children to swim since starting SwimStars almost 20 years ago. She says the assemblies are about giving back to the community.
“Water safety knowledge is just as important as learning how to swim,” said Zoë. “If these assemblies help even one child avoid a dangerous situation, then they are absolutely worthwhile.”
Parents interested in learning more about water safety or exploring swimming opportunities for their children can contact swim@swimstarsswimming.com for more information.
For water safety advice, visit https://rnli.org/safety
Pictured: Zoe delivering an assembly at the Minster CofE Primary Schoola
