Using the River Safety Resource pack launched this spring by City of York Council, schools have a wealth of information, ideas and contacts to hand to share the message that taking care near water can save lives.

Developed in consultation with the city’s multi-partner River Safety Group including Safer York Partnership, the Canal and River Trust and emergency services, the pack also supports the National Curriculum’s new requirements for building water safety and aquatic skills.

The council is working with Ebor Lifesaving Club to deliver water safety initiatives during and outside the Royal Lifesaving Society’s annual week of action. Primary schools and youth groups in York have approached the club or are using the packs themselves to raise awareness of the dangers that open water pose.

Carr Junior, Wigginton, Osbaldwick and Copmanthorpe primary schools are among those delivering water safety sessions around and about this week. St Wilfrid’s RC Primary Schools, for example, is running life-saving drills at a local pool in line with the river safety resource pack while Carr Junior’s interactive assembly will share the SAFE water safety code: learning to spot dangers and what to do to make yourself safe and avoid getting into trouble in the water.

Linda Nelson, Secretary of the Ebor Lifesaving Club (ELSC), said: “The ELSC has been approached by some of the City of York schools to lead assemblies on the theme of water safety. At one event at Scarcroft School, over 300 pupils engaged enthusiastically in our focus on water in many locations, including the beach, river, swimming pool and even the home.

“Water safety is important throughout the year and the Ebor Lifesaving Club meets on Friday evenings to teach lifesaving and life support skills to anyone aged upwards from eight and who is able to swim 25 metres.”

To find out more about the Ebor Lifesaving Club go to www.eborlsc.co.uk or email eborlsc@hotmail.co.uk.