Course description

Swim Safe is part of BFCA's Crown & Current programme, which brings together swimming and hair care for children and young people in care.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, and many children in care have missed out on swimming lessons along the way. Black and global majority children are also less likely to learn to swim. This course helps carers understand water safety, keep children safe in and around water, and support them to build skills and confidence in the pool.

In this course you will explore:

• Why swimming and water safety matter for children in care
• Common water dangers at pools, beaches, rivers, lakes and at home
• Key water safety messages to share with children
• Recognising a child in difficulty and how to respond safely
• Preparing for swim sessions: kit, hair protection and emotional readiness
• Supporting nervous or reluctant swimmers
• Supervision, consent and risk assessment for swimming activities

Suitable for foster carers, kinship carers, special guardians, parents and professionals supporting children with swimming and water activities.

What will i learn?

• Explain why water safety and swimming confidence matter for children in care
• Recognise common water dangers at pools, the sea, rivers, lakes and at home
• Apply key water safety messages and share them with children
• Recognise the signs of a child struggling in water and know how to respond safely
• Prepare children for swimming sessions, including kit, hair protection and emotional readiness
• Support a nervous or reluctant swimmer with patience and encouragement
• Understand supervision, consent and risk assessment for swimming activities

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