DOUBLE Commonwealth gold medallist, former world record holder and swimming champion Sarah Price came to Okehampton last week to spearhead a new water safety campaign. Sarah, along with firefighters and police, visited Parklands leisure centre to tell school children about the do?s and don?ts of open water swimming, part of the Amateur Swimming Association?s Get Safe 4 Summer campaign. The campaign is designed to educate children about the dangers of open water and encourage them to swim only at safe, lifeguarded areas. Sarah said: ?Swimming is not just a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, it?s also a skill that could save your life. ?It?s really important that safety messages reach as many children as possible, so they can all enjoy safe summer swimming.? During the special day at Parklands last Wednesday, eight to ten year olds learned the principles of the water safety code and how swimming is an essential life skill, whether in the pool or in open water. The water safety code means recognising danger, taking in safety advice, ensuring you are accompanied by a friend and knowing what to do in an emergency. Around 500 people drown in the UK every year and among children, drowning is the third highest cause of death. David Sparkes, ASA chief executive, said: ?As the national governing body for swimming, we are taking a lead in promoting water safety, so that everyone can enjoy swimming safely this summer. ?Swimming is a key life skill and we are continually working with government and schools to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn to swim and enjoy the water safely.?
