West Lothian Leisure took a new approach to mark Drowning Prevention Week this summer, by expanding its efforts beyond the pool.
The local authority embedded vital water safety education in all its sporting disciplines – inspired and led by the Learn to Swim programme.
The campaign is rooted in the Learn to Swim National Framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, which helps more than 82,000 children build confidence and skills in the water every week in 167 pools in Scotland.
To mark Drowning Prevention Week, West Lothian Leisure took the core principles of Learn to Swim even further.
Instead of regular practice, swimming lessons across the trust were transformed into water safety workshops and uniquely, coaches from gymnastics, football, badminton and golf also delivered water safety messages through fun, creative activities.
At the heart of the initiative was the “Superheroes – Call 999!” theme, where children dressed as their favourite superheroes while learning the Water Safety Code. The campaign spanned all ages, from baby and adult swimming classes to sports sessions for young people, ensuring more families across West Lothian received life-saving knowledge.
To ensure maximum impact, West Lothian Leisure coaches underwent targeted training and held a dedicated Focus Day. Throughout Drowning Prevention Week, water safety was reinforced through interactive learning, games, and competitions at venues across the region.
This comprehensive approach came as latest figures reveal the ongoing risks around Scotland’s waters, the National Water Safety Forum reported that tragically in 2024 there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland, highlighting the critical importance of water safety education heading into summer.
Lorraine Pollock, Sports Development Manager at West Lothian Leisure, said: “This initiative is powered by our participation in the Learn to Swim programme. Drowning Prevention Week is the perfect moment to showcase how water safety can reach far beyond swimming lessons.
“We’ve made it our mission to get every child – whether they’re in the pool, on the football pitch or in the gym – engaging with water safety in a way that’s fun, memorable, and potentially life-saving. Through our ‘Superheroes – Call 999!’ theme, we’re making safety relatable for families across West Lothian.”
West Lothian Leisure is one of 38 delivery partners of the Learn to Swim programme, a Scotland-wide initiative that equips children with skills for life – both in and around the water.
John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “This is a fantastic example of the Learn to Swim ethos in action. West Lothian Leisure’s all-sport approach demonstrates innovative thinking and shows how the programme can be adapted to reach even more families and communities with crucial water safety messages.”
Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant over summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.
“So, it’s great that Xcite are rolling their water safety sessions out beyond swim lessons and will reach even more people with the vital knowledge and skills to help them feel safer in, on and around water.”
Drowning Prevention Week, organised by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), is one of the largest water safety campaigns in the UK and Ireland. It aims to equip everyone with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water.
