Schoolchildren received life-saving advice at a drowning prevention awareness day.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) alongside Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWRFS) hosted pupils from Worcester's Pitmaston Primary School along the River Severn.

At the event, experts told the children how best to handle potentially perilous situations as well as water safety advice.

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The children got stuck in with interactive elements and live demonstrations, including throwing lines and testing their floating skills on dry land.

This event was a part of the national annual Drowning Prevention Week by RLSS UK.

The main aim is to get young children and families informed, ensuring as many people as possible have the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones around bodies of water

Statistics reveal that child drowning deaths in England have noticeably risen, from 20 in 2019-20, to 41 in 2022-23.

Amid the increase, RLSS UK has urged the public to participate in campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of the Water Safety Code.

Matt Croxall, charity director at RLSS UK said: "The rescue demonstration event with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was the perfect addition to our Drowning Prevention Week campaign and was a great success all round.

"We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for helping to educate more children and families on the all-important matter of water safety as part of our Drowning Prevention Week campaign."

Station commander at HWFRS, John Elsworth, said: "We were delighted to be able to offer our support and provide our services for such an important cause for the RLSS UK."

Kate Wilcock, the headteacher at Pitmaston Primary School, said: "A big thank you to the RLSS UK for inviting us to be a part of this important event and campaign – we hope to make waves in future awareness initiatives."

As part of Drowning Prevention Week, RLSS UK provides free educational resources on its website.

This includes lesson plans for schools, downloadable resources for parents, and an animation to teach children the Water Safety Code.