Bolton Pupils Took Part in Water Safety Education Day at Farnworth Swimming Pool during the first few days of Active Bolton taking over the contract on behalf of Bolton Council.
Schoolchildren in Bolton have taken part in a dedicated water safety education day at Farnworth swimming Pool , aimed at giving young people the skills and awareness needed to stay safe around water.
The event was delivered collaboratively by the Leisure Centre Swimming Instructors , Community Safety Team, and Greater Manchester Fire Service
The day began with introductions, an overview of the programme, and clear expectations around behaviour and poolside safety. Pupils then took part in both pool based learning and practical water safety workshops designed to build confidence, awareness, and essential lifesaving skills.
Swim staff delivered initial assessments for both non swimmers and competent swimmers before leading a structured safety focused session.
Children practised key skills, including the nationally recognised Float to Live technique, which teaches how to remain calm and stable in the water.
Alongside the pool activities, pupils engaged in a series of land-based water safety workshops. After an introductory water safety talk, pupils rotated through activities including line throwing, water rescue first aid, meeting firefighters and exploring specialist rescue equipment.
Pupils also spent time learning about the risks posed by local rivers, reservoirs, and canals.
Later in the day, all pupils gathered to watch a live water rescue demonstration by Blue Watch, Farnworth, showcasing how firefighters respond to water related emergencies and reinforcing the safety messages delivered throughout the programme.
Active Bolton encourages all people of all ages to learn to swim and get involved in aspects of swimming to relax, socialise or to exercise as swimming can have a real positive impact on improving health & wellbeing.
Catherine Harris, Facility Manager at Farnworth Pool Active Leisure, said:
“We were delighted to host the Water Safety Education Day here at Farnworth swimming Pool.
“Events like this are so important, not just for teaching young people essential lifesaving skills, but for strengthening the connection between our centre, local schools, and the wider community.
“Seeing the pupils so engaged throughout the day really shows the value of working together across services to keep our communities safe.”
Aimee Carroll, Intervention Officer at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of the interactive water safety event delivered as part of our Mini Blue Light project here in Bolton.
“It was important to create something hands-on and engaging, giving children the opportunity to take part in a water-based session while learning valuable skills from our partner agencies through a series of workshops.
“Our aim is always to build confidence, awareness and life skills in a way that genuinely connects with young people, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.”
Arron McCarthy, Community Safety Team at Bolton Council, said:
“This event is a great example of how partnership working can create real, meaningful impact for young people in Bolton.”