The Water Smart programme, developed by the Dartford and Gravesham Community Warden Team at Kent County Council (KCC), will provide free water safety tuition to 50 local children.
The programme has been created in response to several recent incidents involving children engaging in unsafe water activities, putting themselves and their friends at risk. It marks a proactive step in promoting water safety and preventing potential drowning incidents in the Dartford area.
During the sessions which stretch across four weeks, children will learn the essential skills they need to stay safe around water from experts at Gravesham Lifesaving Club. The first group of 20 children started their training on Tuesday 23 September at Fairfield Leisure Centre.
The scheme was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Dartford and Gravesham Community Warden Team and generous funding from the Dartford Lions.
Topics covered in the programme include:
- Swimming pool safety
- River, canal, and lake safety
- Beach safety
- Emergency response and who to call
- Understanding cold-water shock
- Safe entry techniques such as fall and slide entry
The Dartford and Gravesham Community Warden Team with Dartford Mayor, Peter Whapshott, and Mayoress, Norma Whapshott, at Fairfield Leisure Centre
Community Warden Team Leader, Jacqueline Fuller, who helped launch the initiative said: “We created Water Smart to give children the tools they need to stay safe and make smart choices around water after seeing the risks firsthand.
“Thanks to the support of the Dartford Lions and our fantastic partners, we’re proud to offer this life-saving programme to our community.
“The first group of children who took part really enjoyed the sessions and we look forward to equipping more children with the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe.”
Community Wardens play a vital role in supporting residents, promoting safety, and building stronger, more resilient communities. Their work often includes engaging with young people, identifying risks, and delivering proactive solutions—like the Water Smart Programme.
The next programme begins on Tuesday 7 October at Fairfield Leisure Centre, with support from Centre Manager Scott Addy.
