Being able to swim can keep you safe when you're near water and possibly help you to save others. In the UK, drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death amongst children so it's crucial that you educate children in the importance of water safety and take necessary precautions.

This should start at an early age with small but significant steps such as keeping toddlers away from garden ponds and supervising children in paddling pools at all times.

As children grow up they should be able to spot potential dangers and know what to do in an emergency, as well as be able to swim. Promotional campaigns such as Water Safety Awareness Week and Stay Away From the Edge help to get this message across.

Even strong adult swimmers are not immune to difficulties in the water. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) offers excellent advice on the subject and trains almost 1 million adults and children each year in water safety, rescue techniques and life support.

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