Hull Culture and Leisure (HCAL) is proud to be working in partnership with Kingston Kayak Club (KKC) to deliver an initiative, combining the organisation’s community leisure facilities with the club’s extensive experience on the water to help improve water safety awareness across Hull.
Following the recent heatwaves, tragic incidents have been reported across the United Kingdom where people have lost their lives while swimming in open water. Many of these heartbreaking incidents could have been prevented through greater awareness of the risks, appropriate safety precautions and better understanding of open water hazards.
In response, HCAL has partnered with KKC to deliver a new water safety initiative aimed at educating children, young people and adults about the dangers of open water and how to stay safe completely free of charge.
The first course will take place on the morning of Sunday 12 July at Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness, making full use of its heated outdoor Lido – one of the city’s most valued leisure assets.
The course will begin with an interactive classroom session before moving to a practical lesson in the safe and clean waters of the Lido. By bringing together existing water safety resources and the expertise of experienced paddle-sport coaches, the course aims to help participants understand the risks associated with open water and how to make safer decisions for themselves and others.
The training has been designed so it can be delivered by anyone who is confident around water and will be made freely available for wider community use. The aim is to share these important safety messages as widely as possible ahead of the school summer holidays.
Dave Rawding, senior coach at Kingston Kayak Club, said: “Too many lives have been lost needlessly. As a club with real experience on the water, we felt a responsibility to act. This isn’t just about rescue, it’s about awareness.
“People will enter the water, especially in hot weather, so it’s vital they understand the risks and how to stay safe. Too often, those trying to help become casualties themselves. Our aim is simple: give young people and adults the knowledge to make safer decisions.’
Cllr Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council whose portfolio includes HCAL, added: “This is not only a fantastic initiative, but also an important one, as it could save lives.
“Waterplay is a huge part of our summers in Hull, so if HCAL and Kingston Kayak Club can come together to ensure that more people are safe whilst doing so, then the council is delighted to support it.
“I urge people to attend these courses to enable them to enjoy splashing through summer in a safer manner.”
For more information on the water safety courses and to book your place, visit Swimming safety – Live It Hull