Schools help raise awareness around water safety
30 June 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council has been working with local schools to help raise awareness around the issue of water safety among young people across the district.
As part of the initiative, Council officers worked with local young people during visits to the Foyle Arena, where pupils from Years 4–7 took part in interactive sessions focused on safe swimming and water awareness. The activity coincided with Drowning Prevention Week (13–20 June) and the sessions highlighted key safety messages to help children stay safe in and around water, particularly as the summer season approaches.
To reinforce learning in a creative way, pupils also participated in a colouring competition centred on water safety themes. The initiative saw a strong response from participating schools, with all completed posters now proudly displayed in the spectator area at the pool, showcasing the children’s creativity and understanding of vital safety messages.
This activity is part of Council’s ongoing work in partnership with organisations such as the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), supporting both pool-based and outdoor water safety education and encouraging safe participation in aquatic activities.
Highlighting the importance of making people aware of the dangers, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said: “Drowning Prevention Week is a vital reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly for our children and young people. It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from all the pupils who took part in the programme at Foyle Arena.
“I would like to congratulate the winners Piper, Isla and Cadhla-Rose, and all the young people on their fantastic posters and creative ways to convey these life-saving messages. By learning about water safety from an early age, we can help ensure everyone can enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly.”
Council is encouraging families to continue to reinforce these important safety messages at home and to take advantage of the programmes and facilities available locally to support safe swimming and water awareness.