Children learn about water safety in London

From 16–20 June, 250 pupils from local primary schools will enjoy a day out at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre. They will be given a full safety seminar, including how to rescue someone from the water and learn how dangerous the dock water can be. The children will then take part in a range of fun activities on the water, including kayaking and dragon boat racing.

School children in West London will also be taking part in a series of angling days on the Regent’s Canal in July to get a close-up experience of waterway wildlife and a better understanding how to be safe near the water.

We want people to enjoy the water, as long as they do so safely

Elaine Stanley, British Waterways' learning services officer, explains: "Every year as the weather gets warmer some young people choose to cool off by swimming unsupervised in the docks or jumping into the canals. We are trying to get the message across that this is not only illegal but also very dangerous. Waterborne diseases, objects under the water and strong underwater currents are some of the dangers that often catch people out. We want people to enjoy the water, as long as they do so safely."

Last year over 34 million visits were made to London’s canals, rivers and docks by people enjoying walking, cycling, angling and boating. British Waterways is working to get the safety message out to children and parents, stressing people to Stay Away From the Edge (SAFE), that children must be accompanied by an adult and swimming must be confined to recognised and supervised swimming areas such as swimming pools, lidos and beaches with life guards.

Chief Inspector Derek Caterer from the Metropolitan Police Service Marine Policing Unit, said: "The message British Waterways is giving to parents and children is one that we firmly endorse. Anytime we are called to help a young person who has got into difficulty in the river or docks is one time too many. Waterways are best enjoyed safely, with supervised activities like the programme of events at the Docklands Sailing and Water Sports Centre."

For more information about staying safe by the water visit www.wow4water.net.

Enjoy the waterways safely this summer

Find out more about the London Docklands