Run by Kent County Council (KCC) Dartford and Gravesham District Community Wardens, in partnership with Gravesham Life Saving Group, the Water Smart initiative originally aimed to coach 100 eight to 16-year olds.
But it has already exceeded that target and a further 50 participants are set to take part by the autumn.
Water Smart was set up following several incidents of children engaging in unsafe water activities that put them, and their friends, in danger.
Dartford Lions, Ebbsfleet and Northfleet Lions, and Northfleet Central Charity CIO, have generously helped cover the training costs.
Gravesham Life Saving Club instructor Andrew Griggs helps Water Smart partipants get to grips with a lifebuoy
Over several sessions, swimmers learn:
- What to do in an emergency – including how and when to call 999
- How to spot cold water shock
- Ways to recognise safe and dangerous swimming areas
On completing the course, participants are awarded an official Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Water Smart certificate.
As well as gaining lots of skills, one young person – Jasmine Appleton - has gone on to qualify as a RLSS Community Outreach Instructor.
Dartford's Jasmine Appleton has gone from Water Smart participant to trainer after gaining life-saving qualifications
Jasmine, from Dartford, said volunteering and inspiring other young people to be smart around water is "a really rewarding experience. I enjoy helping young people learn essential water safety skills in a fun and interactive way."
Jasmine added: "The sessions also have a lasting impact because everyone gains life-saving knowledge they can use to make safe decisions and share with others."
“Knowing how to act safely around water and what to do in an emergency can save lives. I'd like to say a very big thank you to all the partners involved in Water Smart for their incredible support and to our Community Wardens for their hallmark dedication”
Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, Richard Palmer, visited a recent Water Smart training session at Cobham Hall School, in Gravesend.
Richard said: “I was very impressed by the high standard of teaching and the commitment and drive of everyone involved to help children stay safe in and around water.
"I am not surprised to hear parents and carers have described the programme as 'incredible', 'fantastic', 'well run', 'very informative' and 'important'.
“It is a devastating fact there are around 33 child drownings annually in England and this year has seen a rise in water incidents because of the record-breaking hot weather. My heart goes out to all families and communities affected.
“Knowing how to act safely around water and what to do in an emergency can save lives. I'd like to say a very big thank you to all the partners involved in Water Smart for their incredible support and to our Community Wardens for their hallmark dedication."
KCC Community Warden Team Leader Jacqueline Fuller, who helped launch and leads the initiative, said: “Community Wardens play a vital role in promoting safety and building stronger communities. Our work often involves engaging young people, identifying risks and providing solutions. Water Smart is a great example of that.
"After concerns about unsafe activities near water locally, we wanted to give young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to help keep themselves and others safe.
“I can't thank all our supporters enough for making this important training possible."
