A PROJECT has been set up to promote safety on the river Avon in Worcestershire, which has the second highest rate of drownings in the UK.

Following the recent deaths of several youngsters, a group of volunteer lifeguards from the Vale of Evesham hopes to help avoid further needless drownings. The Board of Europe was set up nine months ago with the concept of engaging the British public in learning more about water safety.

It has developed a paddle boarding challenge to support the production of free water safety classes for primary school children.

Team member Polly Greenhalgh said: "There is currently no specific water safety education in the national curriculum. Child-ren today live in an environment of such legislated protection that it is easy for them to perceive that water, with no safety warnings or barriers, carries no risk.

"Working as lifeguards and rescue crews for a number of years, the members of the Board of Europe team have seen the worst that water can do to those who are not prepared. None of these experiences are ones we would like to re-live, and we feel deeply for the families of those involved."

The Board of Europe project aims to raise £20,000 to produce a water safety education DVD for nationwide distribution to primary schools.

If you think you could help it achieve this aim then get in touch through the website www.boardofeurope.com