Parents and carers across Darlington are being reminded that even small amounts of water can pose serious risks to children as organisations mark World Drowning Prevention Day on Saturday 25 July.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council have joined forces to share a water safety video featuring local families in real home and garden settings.

Hidden dangers closer to home

While many people associate water safety with rivers, lakes and the coast, accidents can also happen much closer to home. Paddling pools, baths, ponds and even buckets of water can all present dangers to young children.

Victoria Cooling, Consultant in Public Health at CDDFT, said: "As a mum myself, I know how important it is to take extra care with children around water. Many people do not realise that even a small amount of water can be dangerous, particularly for babies and young children."

She added: "Simple actions can make a huge difference. Stay with children at bath time, empty paddling pools after use and never leave children alone near water."

School assemblies and local education

Darlington Borough Council has been reinforcing key water safety messages in schools across the town. The council's leisure services team delivers assemblies to around 20 primary schools each year.

The sessions include a first-hand account from a member of staff who nearly drowned as a child, helping pupils understand the risks and how to stay safe around water.

Water safety advice is also shared through social media channels and on digital screens in the town centre.

Teenagers and open water risks

Councillor Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "As families spend more time outdoors during the summer holidays, we want to encourage parents and carers to stay vigilant and make water safety a priority. Simple precautions and constant supervision can save lives."

He added: "It is also important that we continue to educate older children and teenagers about the risks of open water. Helping young people understand the dangers of swimming in unsupervised locations, the effects of cold-water shock and how to stay safe around open water can make a real difference in preventing accidents and keeping our communities safe."

Recent figures show that 17 people have tragically lost their lives to drowning nationally in recent months, 11 of whom were teenagers.