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  3. Water Safety

Water Safety for Little Explorers

Water safety is an important part of a child's education, and even very young children can learn how to be safe near water.

View this video with Welsh subtitles here

Our Water Safety for Little Explorers campaign aims to give parents and carers the confidence to start talking to their young children about staying safe near water. Along with the film above, we have created some free activities and resources suitable for the under 5s, aimed at helping children learn about staying safe near water. You can use these at home or in nursery. See the guidance notes for info on how to use the activities.

Image of the front page of the Water Safety for Little Explorers storyook, Quack Quack, Take two steps back

Quack Quack, Take two steps back (English and Welsh)

Squirrel and Mouse are playing with their acorn ball, but "Oh no!" it falls into the canal. Find out how, with the help of their friends, they get their nut back and learn all about staying safe by water.

Guidance Notes

These notes will explain the different resources and how you can use them at home or in nursery.

Colour & Draw

Use this activity sheet to reinforce the message of taking two steps back from the edge.

Duck Headpiece

Make your own fetching duck headpiece and wear with pride!

Song & Poem Sheet

Display the words to the song and poem in your classroom or at home so everyone can sing together!

Squirrel Puppets

Cut out big squirrel and little squirrel and act out the actions of taking two steps back.

Quack Snacks

Did you know that bread isn't healthy for ducks? Find out what to feed them instead and make a delicious dinner for Duck to eat!

Duck Puppet

Make your own paper duck puppet and get ready to Quack Quack!
An adult and child feeding the ducks

Water safety tips for parents

We know how excited children get by the water! Read our tips for parents to make your visit to the waterways fun and stress free with young children.