Families invited to build life-saving water safety skills in Doncaster this summer

Families across Doncaster are being encouraged to take part in a series of free, hands-on water safety sessions taking place this July, as part of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust’s (DCLT) annual Stay Safe. Swim Smart. campaign.

Designed to help children and parents feel more confident in and around water, the sessions will provide practical advice and essential skills to support safer experiences over the school summer holidays.

Three relaxed, family-friendly sessions will take place at local leisure centres, on Sunday 5 July, at Askern Leisure Centre, between 1.30pm–2.30pm, at Armthorpe Leisure Centre, between 4pm–5pm and at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, between 3.30pm–4.30pm.

The sessions are open to all ages and will cover key safety messages, what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe when enjoying time near water.

Families will also have the opportunity to learn vital lifesaving skills at The Dome on Saturday 4 July in the lagoons reception where visitors can meet Annie, DCLT’s CPR training dummy, and watch simple demonstrations from trained staff, before having a go themselves.

Craig Bradford, aquatics manager at DCLT, said: “Learning how to stay safe around water and what to do if something goes wrong is a vitally important life skill for all ages.

“These sessions are designed to be practical, informal and accessible, giving families the confidence to enjoy water safely this summer.

“Whether you’re heading to the coast, a holiday pool, or a leisure facility, having that knowledge can make a real difference.”

The sessions form part of DCLT’s wider Stay Safe. Swim Smart. campaign, which supports residents across the city to build confidence in the water, develop swimming ability and understand risks.

For those looking to put their skills into practice, DCLT also offers a range of supervised swimming sessions across its sites, providing safe and welcoming environments for families to enjoy the water.

For more information, visit https://www.dclt.co.uk/summer-water-safety-2026/ or follow DCLT on social media.