GLL Supports Drowning Prevention Week Across York Leisure Centres

To help raise awareness and promote water safety, GLL – the social enterprise that runs three swimming facilities in York including Energise Leisure Centre, York Leisure Centre and Yearsley Swimming Pool is supporting RLSS UK's Drowning Prevention Week, which runs 13-20^th June 2026.

On average, over the last 5 years, 723 people drowned in the UK and Ireland each year, with 71% of child drownings happening between May and August, according to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).

Every year, children drown when falling into the water or getting into difficulties when swimming. Between 2020 to 2022 and 2023 to 2025, the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) shows that the number of child drowning deaths has increased 67%. 

At least 17 adults and children died in water-related incidents during the UK's May heatwave.

GLL operates swimming pools and leisure centres across the UK under the ‘Better’ brand.

As part of Drowning Prevention Week, Better Swim School sessions, school swimming lessons, and primary school assemblies at Headlands, Ralph Butterfields, Wiggington and Westfield will focus on giving children the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

During swimming lessons and training sessions, pupils will learn essential self-rescue techniques as well as how to assist others safely in an emergency. Development and Academy swimmers will also take part in supervised sessions wearing pyjamas, helping them experience the challenges of being in the water fully clothed and preparing them to respond effectively should they ever find themselves in difficulty.

Kitty Hanrahan, a Better Swim Teacher for York, said: "Learning to swim is a vital life skill that can help keep you safe in and around water. Even basic water safety skills, such as floating and treading water, can make a significant difference in an emergency. Swimming also builds confidence, supports physical wellbeing, and allows people to enjoy water safely throughout their lives.

“We are proud to play our part in ensuring families stay safe this summer and are urging parents to access the free water safety resources available on the RLSS website."

You can find the RLSS UK resources here: www.rlss.org.uk/dpw

Molly Alcock, a Better Lifeguard in York, added: "As lifeguards, we are seeing higher numbers of children within swimming pools or open water this summer. Teaching children about the dangers of water, whether that be open water, swimming pools or paddling pools, is vital to ensuring the safety of themselves and others."

"Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety Education at RLSS UK, commented: "We are grateful to GLL for their support in amplifying Drowning Prevention Week's key water safety messages nationwide. By working together, we can all help create communities free from drowning. The Water Safety Code is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to remember, equipping people, especially young children and teenagers, with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water, as well as the confidence to make vital early decisions and save lives in an emergency."

As well as school sessions that include the RLSS UK lesson plans, centres are offering free colouring and puzzle activities for children and displays highlighting key safety messages.

Whenever you are around water:

• Stop and Think - assess your surroundings. Look for the dangers. Always research local signs and advice.

• Stay Together - Always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue.

  
  

In an emergency:

• Call 999 - Don't enter the water to rescue.

• Float - Float on your back and call for help. Throw something that floats to somebody that has fallen in.

  
  

As a social enterprise, GLL offers concessionary swim school memberships, and all swim school memberships include access to other swimming sessions. More information is available at: Concessionary Membership | Gym, Swim & Classes | Better