School children in Bromsgrove have been learning about the importance of water safety ahead of the summer holidays.

Last week, Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre visited Stoke Prior First School and Lickey End First School.

The lessons were delivered by swim manager Phoebe Coombes, focusing on essential skills for safety in the water, including how to float and signal for help.

Lickey End First School children with swim manager Phoebe CoombesLickey End First School children with swim manager Phoebe Coombes (Image: Everyone Active)

The children were also taught about the beach flag warning system.

It comes after the Royal Life Saving Society urged families, carers, teachers and instructors to work together to educate children on water safety during Drowning Prevention Week last month, with drowning being one of the most common causes of accidental death in children.

Ms Coombes said: "It’s so important that we educate young people on water safety, particularly with the summer holidays around the corner when many children will be swimming in the pool or sea.

"That’s why we were so pleased to be able to visit both Stoke Prior First School and Lickey End First School to offer practical advice on staying safe in the water.

"The feedback from teachers and parents was fantastic, and we want to continue raising awareness of this important topic around Bromsgrove and beyond."

Ruth Bamford, Bromsgrove District Council’s head of leisure services, added: "We want people to have fun in the water and swimming is great exercise.

"But we also want people to be safe and these courses are providing youngsters with skills for life."