Peterborough Lido offering free water safety sessions
They're to help combat open water swimming dangers
Peterborough’s showpiece swimming pool has announced it will be offering water safety and junior swimming sessions free of charge this June.
Vivacity, the managers of the pool, are offering the free sessions to help raise awareness of Drowning Prevention Week, a major annual water safety campaign which runs from June 14-21.
Led by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), Drowning Prevention Week is deliberately scheduled just before the summer school holidays as its key goal is to equip children (and families) with crucial water safety skills to prevent accidental drownings associated with open water swimming.
Sadly, hot summer weather often sees an increase in people, typically youngsters, deciding to cool off by swimming in open water environments like rivers and lakes. While these waters may look benign and calm, they can often be treacherous, sometimes leading to awful consequences.
This has been brought into tragic focus in recent months with the heartbreaking death of Declan Sawyer in Swanholme Lakes in Lincolnshire over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.
The 13-year-old is one of 15 people to have lost their lives this year so far from swimming in open water – 11 of whom were aged under 18.
Sadly, Peterborians experienced just such a tragedy close to home last year when 16-year-old Jack Lloyd died tragically at Crown Lakes in Farcet in April, 2025.
Last month, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning urging residents to be wary of the dangers of swimming in open water.
“As much as it can look very tempting to go for a swim in a river, lake or other areas of open water, even if the weather is warm, the water can be so much colder than expected,” said Community Safety Station Commander Hannah Archdeacon.
“This can cause your body to go into cold water shock, which can affect your ability to breathe.”
Promoting the free sessions, Vivacity made a direct appeal to parents
“Children are naturally curious and often drawn to water, whether it’s a pool, beach or even a garden pond.
“As a parent, understanding water safety and teaching it to your children can make all the difference.
“By participating in Drowning Prevention Week, you can help ensure your children are aware of the dangers and know how to stay safe.”
Full details:
Daily water safety sessions are available to book from Monday June 15 to Friday June 19 at the following times:
4.00pm – 4.30pm (for swimmers with basic ability),
4.30pm – 5.00pm (for more advanced swimmers).
The sessions have restricted numbers and can be booked by emailing: [email protected]. These sessions are not suitable for non-swimmers.
In addition, Juniors (those aged 15 and below) are also invited to swim for free at the Lido after school on the following dates:
Monday, June 15: afternoon session until 6.00pm,
Friday, June 19: afternoon session until 6.00pm.
Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times and the admission policy adhered to (see Vivacity website). Swims can be booked up to seven days in advance at vivacity.org/book.