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Water Smart Sessions
Our free, in-school session with RNLI lifeguards will help children
age 7-14 develop their water safety knowledge through a fun, engaging and informative session that could one day save their life.
In the year that the RNLI's lifeguard service celebrates 25 years of keeping people safe at the coast, it's a great opportunity for pupils to experience a fun, engaging and informative session that could one day save their life - whether around inland waters or at the beach.
Who is the Water Smart Session aimed at?
Water Smart sessions are designed for children aged 7-14, as well as their teachers, school staff and educators.
When are Water Smart sessions delivered?
Water Smart sessions are delivered between March and July.
Why has the Water Smart Session been created?
Statistics show that, as young people develop independence and their decision-making skills, they are at an increased risk around water, whether that’s a river, quarry or coastal area. The RNLI Water Smart Sessions raises water safety awareness with children and the wider school community at this highly receptive age as they transition to secondary school and to greater independence.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Water Safety Team.
What topics are covered in each session?
By the end of each Water Smart Session, pupils will be able to:
- Engage with the Water Safety Code
- identify a beach lifeguard
- state the meaning of beach flags
- identify hazards both at the beach and in / around other bodies of water
- know what to do if they get into trouble or see someone else in trouble
- explain key sun-safety messages.
How does the Water Smart Session fit into the curriculum?
As well as giving pupils an understanding of water safety and enabling them to identify problems and risks that may occur, the session has also been designed to complement the curriculum in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Unfortunately, the sessions are not currently available in the Republic of Ireland.
The session covers aspects of the Water Safety Code, now part of the new Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) guidance.
- KS2, PE, Swimming and Water Safety (England)
- PSHE Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World (England)
- RSHE, Personal Safety (England)
The session contributes to children's learning and progression against the Health and Wellbeing Experiences and Outcomes, featuring the Water Safety Code.
- First & Second Level, Health and Wellbeing (HWB) (Scotland)
The session covers the Water Safety Code and support pupils’ learning in line with the Curriculum for Wales, specifically contributing to the Health and Wellbeing Area of Learning and Experience.
- Curriculum for Wales, Health and well-being (Wales)
The session supports children’s learning as part of the Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU) and Physical Education curriculum.
- KS1&2, PD&MU, Personal Understanding and Health, Safety (Northern Ireland)
- KS2, PE, Swimming (Northern Ireland)
Explore our resources
Explore our comprehensive suite of water safety teaching activities, lesson plans and learning resources, aimed at older primary-aged children.
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Got a question, feedback or need some help? Our Water Safety Support Team is here to help.
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The coast is a wonderful place to be, but the sea can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you’re heading to the coast, take a look at our advice and tips to help you have fun and stay safe.
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