Waterwise in Docklands

Children learn how to enjoy the water safely in East London

How do you spread the message that swimming in the docks in East London is both dangerous and illegal? For the past seven years British Waterways has been working with six local primary schools and one local secondary school on the Isle of Dogs to teach children about the dangers of swimming in the docks. The water is very deep, very cold, subject to sudden currents and can hide underwater obstructions. Each summer all the Year 5 children from the primary schools have spent half a day at the local Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre to learn how to enjoy the water safely with kayaking and sailing sessions. In previous years students from George Green Secondary school have taken part in a raft building competition and also designed a water safety poster which was displayed in shops, community centres and residences in the local area. This programme is much valued by the local schools and is supported by Tower Hamlets Extended Schools Service. A teacher from Arnhem Wharf School commented ‘The children have been looking forward to this all year. It is an excellent opportunity for them to learn about being safe near water and increase their confidence in it.’ The Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre run a youth club on Monday evenings and Sunday mornings as well as activities throughout the summer holidays so hopefully more and more children will learn how to have fun in and around the water in a safe environment. For more information check out www.dswc.org