Westbury pupils learn water safety in free school sessions

Pupils in Westbury have been taught vital water safety skills as part of free assemblies delivered by a local swim school ahead of the summer holidays. 

SwimStars owner Zoë Ellis has been volunteering her time to visit primary schools across the area, teaching children how to stay safe around water and reduce the risk of accidents. 

She recently led a session at Westbury Infant School where pupils were shown how to recognise hazards, follow the Water Safety Code and 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 expected to visit beaches, rivers, lakes and swimming pools during the summer months, Zoë hopes the sessions will help children make safer choices, particularly around open water. 

The initiative has been welcomed by local schools, with teachers recognising the importance of preparing pupils for increased exposure to water during the school holidays. 

Zoë has taught thousands of children to swim since starting SwimStars almost 20 years ago and says the assemblies are about giving back to the community. 

“Water safety knowledge is just as important as learning how to swim,” she said. “If these assemblies help even one child avoid a dangerous situation, then they are absolutely worthwhile.” 

Parents can contact swim@swimstarsswimming.com for more information about swimming opportunities. 

For water safety advice, visit https://rnli.org/safety