Families across Rugby Borough are being urged to begin the summer holidays by learning vital water safety skills at a free community event later this month. The all-day session, organised in support of World Drowning Prevention Day, will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday 25 July at Burton Farm Cafe, Burton Hastings.
Emergency services lead hands-on demonstrations
The programme brings together emergency services and community safety partners to highlight the risks associated with rivers, lakes and other open water during warmer weather. Crews from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service will stage live water rescue demonstrations, while attendees can practise using a throw line and speak directly with water safety specialists for practical guidance.
Children and young people will be able to meet firefighters, police officers, paramedics and community safety teams, and take a close look at response vehicles and specialist equipment. The event is free to attend and aimed at giving families the confidence to enjoy the outdoors more safely during the school break.
Rugby Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant, Ricky Franklin said: “The summer holidays are a time for children and families to get outdoors and enjoy themselves, and this event is a great opportunity to do just that while learning potentially life-saving skills. “By coming along, families can gain a better understanding of the risks associated with open water, hear directly from emergency service professionals, and learn simple safety advice that could help prevent a tragedy.” “The interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities will help children and young people understand water safety in a fun and engaging way, making these important messages easier to remember. “We'd encourage parents, carers and young people to take advantage of this free event and start the summer holidays with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe around water."
Why it matters as holidays begin
With more people heading to parks, canals and lakes during hot spells, responders in Warwickshire routinely warn of hidden hazards: sudden changes in depth, cold shock in seemingly warm water, strong currents and underwater obstructions. Organisers say the day is designed to turn expert advice into practical skills, so that bystanders know what to do and what not to do if someone gets into difficulty.
- Watch live rescue techniques demonstrated by trained crews.
- Learn to deploy a throw line safely in an emergency.
- Receive face-to-face guidance from water safety professionals.
- Meet local fire, police and ambulance teams and view specialist kit.
Event at a glance
| What | Community water safety day |
|---|---|
| When | Saturday 25 July, 9am–4pm |
| Where | Burton Farm Cafe, Burton Hastings (Rugby Borough) |
| Cost | Free |
| Focus | Open water risks, rescue demonstrations, practical safety advice |
Part of a global safety campaign
The initiative aligns with World Drowning Prevention Day, an annual effort to raise awareness of drowning risks and to promote education that can prevent tragedies. By bringing emergency services and community partners together in one place, organisers hope to embed key messages before the peak of summer recreation.
Residents across Rugby and the surrounding villages are encouraged to attend at any point during the day. While the timetable is designed to be informal and family-friendly, those planning to watch the rescue demonstrations are advised to allow enough time to observe, ask questions and take part in the interactive activities.
As summer holiday plans take shape, the organisers’ message is simple: gaining a basic understanding of how to recognise danger and respond appropriately around water can make a decisive difference in an emergency. The event aims to provide that knowledge in a practical, memorable way for both adults and children.
