School Education
Improving water safety education and awareness in schools.
Cheshire Water Safety Champions
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children and young people.
The Cheshire Water Safety Champions Programme aims to reduce this statistic by educating young people to stay safe around water. It’s an ambitious, never-been-done-before, peer-led approach, delivered in partnership with the Cheshire Police Commissioner.
Aimed initially at 11-16 year-olds, the programme will enhance water safety education by establishing a trained Water Safety Champions Team of at least one member of staff and two pupils in every secondary school across Cheshire.
The programme is based on one simple principle: education helps reduce risk.
How we can support
While no educational programme can remove risk completely, giving young people the knowledge and understanding to recognise hazards, appreciate the consequences of their actions, and make informed decisions can significantly reduce the likelihood of preventable incidents.
Our long-term plan is to roll the programme out to primary and secondary schools across the UK, making our waters safer, reducing water-related incidents and preventing loss of life.
Water safety is much more than knowing how to swim, it’s about:
Not in Cheshire?
Talk to us about bringing the Water Safety Champions programme to your area.
In Cheshire?
We are starting training in your area.
Confident teachers = Confident swimmers = Safer communities
Water Safety for Teachers
The Water Safety Curriculum
From September 2026, the National Curriculum requires every secondary school to teach personal safety around water, including the Water Safety Code. This is a statutory requirement of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum.
This is an ideal time for schools to strengthen their swimming and water safety education provision. Whether you’re new to school swimming or looking to build confidence, Water Safety Matters is here to support you.
Swim England Teacher of School Swimming
A practical, two-day CPD course designed to help primary school teachers:
SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming
Looking to take the next step?
Become a qualified swimming teacher with the nationally recognised Swim England SEQ Level 2 in Teaching Swimming qualification. Ideal for: