Yorkshire Water launches coastal education role to boost water safety
New advisor aims to support schools and communities in Scarborough and Bridlington
Yorkshire Water is enhancing its education initiatives across the Yorkshire coast by appointing a new education advisor focused on water safety and environmental education in Scarborough, Bridlington, and surrounding areas.
The education advisor will work with schools, community groups, and local organisations to help young people understand the significance of water safety, environmental protection, and the role of water in daily life.
Yorkshire Water’s safety education programme is particularly important for young people living in or visiting coastal communities. Sessions help children understand the hidden dangers associated with open water, including cold water shock, currents and unseen hazards, as well as how to make safer choices and what to do in an emergency. The programme covers open water environments including rivers, reservoirs, canals, and the sea.
The education team was expanded in early 2025 to include a Coastal Education Advisor and, in a single year, the new post has already allowed Yorkshire Water to engage in person with over 20 primary schools along the east coast. Over 140 hours of teaching time to more than 5,400 children and nearly 300 teaching staff along the East Coast in just over 12 months.
Sessions developed for children in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 have included potentially life-saving Water Safety assemblies. Workshops focusing on how everyone can play a part in keeping the clean and wastewater infrastructure as healthy as possible are also part of the programme.
With water safety and environmental education forming an important part of the school curriculum, demand for Yorkshire Water’s free education sessions continues to grow. The creation of an additional part-time education adviser role will enable the team to support more schools and communities across the coast.