A Black Country water safety program boosted children's self-rescue skills and expanded to reach thousands.

A water safety programme launched in September 2024 across the Black Country has reached over 4,000 children from about 80 schools, boosting Year 6 pupils’ safe self-rescue skills from 52% to 61.71%. Funded by the WMCA Inclusive Communities Fund and led by Active Black Country, the initiative combines pool training, classroom lessons, and canal-side demonstrations. After just five 30-minute sessions, 72% of participants could perform safe self-rescue. The programme trained 109 teachers and 41 partners through a resource hub, potentially reaching 22,000 pupils. Success has led to expanded outreach to families and community groups, with findings shared at a July summit.