In support of Royal Life Saving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (22 – 30 June), Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board is encouraging those enjoying the sunshine near, in or on the water to take care and be aware of the hidden dangers water can pose, particularly for young children.

More than 400 people drown in the UK each year, and thousands suffer near-drowning experiences. Shockingly, drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK.

Chairman of Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (HSCB) Phil Picton said: “Many of us like to spend time by water during the summer but we must remember that it can be dangerous, especially for young children. It can take less than a minute for an accident to happen, yet the consequences could change your life forever. HSCB would therefore like to take this chance to remind our residents to enjoy water safely, and to keep an eye on their children when they are around water, to prevent tragic incidents occurring.”

HSCB will be distributing campaign flyers across the county, to raise awareness of the hazards water presents to children and how to best keep them safe. Advice includes:

•  Supervising children while they are in, on or near water
•  Using safety measures such as self-closing gates, safety nets, fences and locks around pools of water to prevent children gaining access to them
•  Emptying containers of water, such as paddling pools, immediately after use
•  Making sure children wear support aids, such as water wings or lifejackets, if they are in, on or near water.

Schools, leisure centres and anyone working with families can request material by visitingwww.hertssafeguarding.org.uk/adults and clicking on the ‘safety advice and campaigns’ sub-section.

You can find out more about Drowning Prevention Week at www.drowningpreventionweek.org.uk