Schools and community

We teach water safety in schools and run community programmes to help people understand risk and stay safe.

The best rescue is the one that never needs to happen, and teaching young people how to recognise danger around water is one of the most valuable things we do.

Our trained volunteers deliver in-person water safety sessions to schools, youth groups, community organisations and businesses across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

These are not dry lectures.

They are engaging, practical sessions designed to make a lasting impression.

WMSAR volunteers during rope training

What we offer

Ages 4–11

Primary schools

For primary schools, we focus on recognising hazards, understanding why water is dangerous, and knowing what to do if they or a friend gets into trouble.

Older learners

Secondary schools and youth groups

For secondary schools and youth groups, we go further into rescue techniques, cold water shock and the realities of what happens when things go wrong.

Tailored sessions

Adults, communities and businesses

For adult groups, community organisations and businesses, we tailor the content to the audience. This might include river safety for walking groups, canal safety for narrowboat communities, or general water awareness for workplaces near water.

How to book a session

Our sessions are free.

We ask only that you give us reasonable notice so we can arrange a volunteer to come to you. Sessions typically last between 30 minutes and an hour depending on the age group and the depth of content required.

To book a session, use our contact form and select “Schools and community” as the enquiry type. Tell us a bit about your group, the age range, and any specific topics you would like us to cover.

The Home and Dry online course

Continue learning online

Our in-person sessions work brilliantly alongside the free Home and Dry online course. Teachers can use the online course as pre-session homework or follow-up material, giving students a more in-depth grounding in water safety than a single visit can provide. Care homes and businesses can also use the online course to train their staff.