Water safety sessions on the Grand Union Canal

British Waterways London, Thames 21 and Beauchamp Floating Classroom will be holding activity sessions for pupils from Bentworth, Kenmont, Barlby and Middle Row Primary Schools at Ladbroke Grove on the Grand Union Canal. The sessions will take place from Tuesday 8 to Wednesday 9 July 2008.

The sessions, which will focus on key rules such as the need to be safe near canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, will highlight natural habitats around the waterways and the work that goes into maintaining them. The children will also get the chance to try out angling and take a boat trip along the canal.

British Waterways London’s learning services officer, Elaine Stanley said: “The Grand Union Canal in London and the wider waterways networks are popular places to visit during the summer. However, we all need to make sure we enjoy the waterways safely. We’ve been working hard over the last few years to get the safety message out to children and parents, stressing that people stay away from the edge, that children must be accompanied by an adult, and swimming must be confined to recognised swimming areas such as swimming pools. Supervised activities offer the best way for children to enjoy the waterways which is why we are organising these taster sessions for local school children.”

Thames 21 will be coordinating the angling lessons for the school children. Professional angling coach, Grant Fear said: “Young people love to try new things and angling is always a popular activity on the waterside. However, it’s important that everyone spending time on our rivers and canals is aware of the risks that surround them and knows how to enjoy them safely.”

Find out more information on angling
Find more waterside events