Westmorland and Furness Council are urging families to take part in free water safety sessions this summer as part of a coordinated effort to prevent tragic incidents in open water ahead of the school summer holidays. This follows a number of recent deaths across the UK, which have highlighted the dangers of open water and the importance of knowing how to respond in an emergency.
The sessions are being offered to families with children aged 7 to 14 years in both leisure centres and open water locations across the area, teaching vital life-saving skills. Additionally, secondary schools have the opportunity to arrange funded sessions for their pupils as part of their core PE offer. Children must be able to swim at least 25 metres confidently without stopping to take part.
The initiative is provided through Westmorland and Furness Council and the Cumbria Water Safety Partnership, in partnership with GLL and Barrow Forward - working to reduce water-related deaths and keep communities safe.
The sessions focus on practical techniques that can make the difference between life and death in cold water, including:
How to control breathing during cold water shock
How to float to stay alive
Understanding risks in open water
What to do if someone is in trouble
The programme recognises that being able to swim is not enough—knowing how to survive in cold, open water is critical.
Parents and carers are encouraged to talk to their children about water safety and reinforce one key message:
"If you fall into water – float, breathe, and stay calm."
Vicky Hughes Cabinet Member for Planning and Active Wellbeing said:
"We know that open water can be extremely dangerous, particularly for young people who may not recognise the risks.
I'm grateful to our partner organisations for working with us so swiftly to provide this local offer to our children and young people, following the recent tragic deaths across the UK.
These free sessions give families the knowledge and confidence to stay safe, and could genuinely save lives."
Water Safety Sessions
Location Date and time Booking Link
Appleby Leisure Centre Saturday 13 June 3:00 to 3:50pm
Saturday 20 June 3:00 to 3:50pm
Saturday 27 June 3:00 to 3:50pm
Appleby 13 June Booking
Appleby 20 June Booking
Appleby 27 June Booking
Barrow Leisure Centre Saturday 27 June 3:30 to 4:30pm
Sunday 5 July 3:30 to 4:30pm
Barrow Booking Link
(Opens 7 days before)
Kendal Leisure Centre Saturday 20 June 3:00 to
4:00pm
Sunday 19 July 12:00 to 1:00pm
Kendal 20 June Booking
Kendal 19 July Booking
Penrith Leisure Centre Wednesday 17 June 4:00 to
5:00pm
27 June 11:15am to 12:15pm
Penrith 17 June Booking
Penrith 27 June Booking
Ulverston Leisure Centre Saturday 27 June 4:00 to 5:00pm
Saturday 4 July 4:00 to 5:00pm
Ulverston 27 June Booking
Ulverston 4 July Booking
Dalton Leisure Centre Saturday 4 July
Saturday 11 July
Saturday 18 July
Call to book:
01229 463125
Windermere Outdoor Sports
Centre (Open water session)
Saturday 11 July 2:00 to 3:00pm
Saturday 11 July 3:00 to 4:00pm
Windermere Booking Link
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
