Key stage 3 water safety

We are delighted to launch our Key Stage 3 (KS3) Water Safety Education Programme, designed to equip young people with the essential skills and knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.

Water safety remains a significant issue, particularly for young people, with statistics showing that teenagers are among the groups most at risk of accidental drowning. Our aim is to empower young people with practical knowledge and skills that could one day help save a life.

Our Water Safety Sessions support the new PSHE curriculum framework and help schools meet their commitment to student wellbeing and personal development. The programme promotes confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, and safer decision-making around water.

Delivered by experienced Water Safety professionals, these interactive and age-appropriate sessions are designed for Key Stage 3 students. Sessions are available in schools and virtually for home-schooled children, and are offered free of charge across Cheshire.

What the session covers

Our sessions focus on helping students to:

• Recognise potential water hazards

• Understand basic water safety principles

• Learn life-saving actions and emergency response

• Promote responsible behaviour near water

Each whole year-group assembly lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to engage students through interactive learning and real-life scenarios.

Tailored SEND packages

We offer specially tailored sessions for SEND students to ensure the content is accessible, engaging, and suitable for a range of learning needs.

For more information about SEND packages, please email water.safety@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Virtual sessions for home-schooled children

We also provide virtual Water Safety sessions for home-schooled children. These sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are delivered online by experienced professionals.

Upcoming online course

The next course takes place on:

• Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 11:30am

• Thursday 2 July 2026 at 11:30am

• Tuesday 7 July 2026 at 11:30am

• Monday 13 July 2026 at 11:30am

Book your place (opens in new window)

If you have any questions, please email water.safety@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Get involved

We’re inviting schools across Cheshire to take part in our Key Stage 3 Water Safety campaign.

If you work at a school, or would like your school to get involved, please get in touch via water.safety@cheshirefire.gov.uk or share this information with the relevant staff member.

We also work in partnership with leisure centres to deliver similar water safety education sessions for Key Stage 2 pupils. As we continue to expand our water safety programme for children and young people of all ages, we welcome opportunities to work with schools, community groups, and partner organisations. Please get in touch to discuss how we can support your setting.