Swimming and water safety is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum at primary school to make sure that children are well equipped to enjoy swimming and know how to keep safe in and around water.
As we head into summer, it’s especially important that children are prepared with these skills.
This year, the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week runs from 14 June to 21 June 2025, and aims to raise awareness about water safety.
Water safety skills are useful to know all year round. Here’s everything you need to know about what is taught in schools.
What do pupils learn in school about water safety?
To help build children’s confidence in and around water, we work closely with a range of organisations including Swim England, The Royal Life Saving Society UK and the RNLI.
Water safety is a mandatory part of the curriculum for PE at primary school, with pupils taught to perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.
By the end of primary school, all children should be able to swim at least 25 metres unaided and be able to perform a range of strokes.
Schools can also use their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) programme to equip pupils with a good understanding of risk to help them make safe and informed decisions.
The Canal and River Trust, in coordination with the PSHE Association, has published new lesson packs for Key Stage 3 pupils.
How are you supporting schools to teach water safety?
We have announced additional funding for academic year 25/26 for the PE and sport premium. This is funding which primary schools must use to make improvements to the quality of the PE, sport and physical activity on offer.
The PE and sport premium can be used by primary schools to support swimming and water safety lessons, including funding teacher training and additional swimming lessons for children who need extra help.
We’re also helping children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) to learn to swim about water safety through our Inclusion 2028 programme, led by the Youth Sport Trust. New resources are available on Swim England’s new online inclusion hub.
Where can I find out more?
Swim England's School Swimming and Water Safety Charter provides schools with free resources and support.
Water safety resources are also available for pupils in Key Stages 1 to 3 via the Royal Life Saving Society's website.