RNLI and Southern Water team up for Water Safety Programme in Littlehampton
The RNLI have teamed up with Southern Water to help keep children safe this summer on our region’s beaches. The Littlehampton Locality Schools Water Safety Project has been rolled out to pupils at their morning assemblies across the Littlehampton area of West Sussex.
Project reaches 3,300 pupils through 16 school assemblies
The RNLI have teamed up with Southern Water to help keep children safe this summer on our region’s beaches.
The Littlehampton Locality Schools Water Safety Project has been rolled out to pupils at their morning assemblies across the Littlehampton area of West Sussex.
In total, 10 schools signed up to take part, with 16 assemblies held, involving more than 3,300 youngsters.
Students learned about all things water safety, ahead of the summer holidays with a special focus of what is important to keep in mind both before and after getting into the water. Southern Water also gave a presentation about their role and the work being carried out to slow the flow of rainwater into sewers by supporting the creation of more green spaces.
This effort will reduce the reliance on storm overflows during and after heavy rainfall, when flows reach peak levels.
Justin Murray, headteacher at St Mary’s, Clymping said: “"Our pupils were thoroughly engaged with the water safety assemblies. It is such a vital part of the education we provide within our community. We regularly go to the beach - including beach cricket and monthly well-being walks - and it is vital that children understand how to stay safe. After the presentations, our classes talked through the safety information, and we have been applying this on our visits."
Phil Hetherington, Water Safety Officer, Littlehampton RNLI said “It was a great experience to be invited to the schools, to talk about water safety and to pass on our lifesaving message should anyone ever find themselves in danger in the water – float to live. I was impressed by the engagement, enthusiasm and knowledge of the pupils.”
Kim Twine, Education Officer at Southern Water said: “It’s been great reaching primary schools in the Littlehampton area to talk to them about the environment, being safe and having fun in the water ahead of the summer holidays. The assemblies are interactive, fun and part of our New Wave Education programme and we are looking forward to seeing the artwork produced by the pupils at the exhibition at Littlehampton Museum in July”
After the assemblies, students take part in activities to revisit the water safety messages and create art pieces to create beach at river scenes. The Water Safety Programme has taken one month, starting on 15 April and finishing on 15 May 2024.
An exhibition of the children's artwork – based on rivers and sea environments - is scheduled to be displayed at the Littlehampton Museum from Saturday 13 July 2024 and throughout the summer. The Mayor and competition winners will also attend.