CHEPSTOW Leisure Centre hosted a preliminary event for the forthcoming Drowning Prevention Week.

The objective is to ensure that everyone knows how to have fun and stay safe near water during the campaign from the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), that will run from Saturday 20th to Sunday 28th June.

Duncan Thompson from Chepstow Leisure Centre has co-ordinated a multi-agency week of events aimed at raising awareness and keeping people safe around water.

"We are lucky that recently there have been no fatalities in our area but, with our position, being surrounded by water, it's really important that everyone understands the dangers. I'm passionate about getting the word out," said Mr Thompson.

Helen Dymond, centre manager, Chepstow and Caldicot said, "Shockingly drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK.

"Around 400 people drown in the UK each year, and thousands more suffer near-drowning experiences, many resulting in life changing injuries."

Claire Price, Chepstow School headteacher said, "Keeping young people safe near water is of vital importance, especially as the hot weather approaches.

"We are pleased to support RLSS UK in educating our students in the dangers of unsupervised open water."

Monmouthshire Leisure is aiming to deliver resource packs to every school in the county during the awareness week.

Chepstow Fire Station will be helping to kick start the week with a sponsored carwash at Chepstow Leisure Centre.

"We will be here on Saturday the 20th from 9.30am raising money for the RNLI," said Paul Beynon of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service backs the scheme as the summer approaches to make sure people stay safe near water and realise the dangers water can pose, especially near rivers, lakes and quarries.

"The best place to cool off is at your local leisure centre where there is always a lifeguard on duty," said Mr Thompson, "Our lifeguards will be providing lifesaving demonstrations, informing the public of what to do in the event of an accident during Drowning Prevention Week."

Monmouthshire Youth Service, the emergency services in Chepstow and SARA – the Severn Area Rescue Association – are all involved in Drowning Prevention Week's activities.

For more details about events and demonstration sessions contact your nearest Monmouthshire Leisure Centre.