Freedom Leisure, who operate a number of swimming pools throughout Powys, have backed a campaign to promote safe swimming during the summer months.  

The company operates sites such as The Flash, Maldwyn, Bro Ddyfi, Brecon and Rhayader leisure centres, and are urging parents to make sure their children stay safe and know how to enjoy the water this summer.

From June 17 to June 24, Freedom Leisure will be supporting the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Drowning Prevention Week campaign, which aims to equip everybody people with the skills and knowledge, to make the right decisions about water safety.

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Richard Milne, Freedom Leisure Area Manager for North Wales said: "We are proud to play our part in ensuring our families have a safe summer.

“We recognise how vitally important it is for children to know how to stay safe near water, and urge parents to access RLSS UK's free water safety resources on the charity's website.

“We want children to enjoy all of the fun and benefits of being in and around water but be educated on how to do that safely." 

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According to Powys County Council, figures indicate that approximately 25 percent or primary school pupils are not confident swimmers as a result of the pandemic halting regular lessons, leaving many unable to self-rescue.

As summer rolls in, the RLSS UK fears that many will flock to beaches and inland water locations without considering the potential dangers, putting themselves and others at risk.

RLSS UK Charity Director, Lee Heard, said: "The UK's beautiful waterways should be places where everyone feels at ease, and can take pleasure from their surroundings, whatever their age, whatever their activity level. 

“But we're urging people to educate themselves and others on how to enjoy water safely, and prevent a fun day out ending in tragedy.

"The Drowning Prevention Week campaign is crucial this year. Throughout the last few years, young people have missed out on the vital opportunity to swim, leaving a dramatic gap in school swimming and water safety education.

"RLSS UK believes that through free, accessible education and training, everyone can enjoy water safely. 

“We urge as many parents as possible to get involved with the campaign, use our free online resources, and give their children the skills to enjoy a lifetime of fun in the water."

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