Toddler Water Safety Week
As part of Toddler Water Safety Week, a new 90-second film, supported by childrens' presenter Maddie Moate, shows toddlers how to Stay Away From the Edge (stay SAFE) by taking two steps back. Two animated squirrels join in on the fun and young viewers can see footage of other toddlers learning to take two steps back from the water. A new learning bundle is also free to download from the our website to help parents and childcare leaders start a conversation about water safety.
With spring just around the corner and half term holidays coming up over the next few weeks, families will be heading to their nearest canal or river to feed the ducks, spot boats and enjoy nature. However, our research shows that many parents and carers experience a level of anxiety about their children potentially falling in when they are near water.
Our campaign therefore aims to help parents talk to their little children about being safe by the water so that families are encouraged to safely discover the canal on their doorstep.
Staying safe by water
Annette Simpson, our national education lead, said: “For the millions of families living alongside or near them, canals and rivers in London and the South East are a back garden and first classroom. There are bugs to find, ducks to spot and boats to watch go through locks. It's never too early to start talking to children about staying safe by water and our new film is an easy way to introduce the idea with a fun poem and catchy song to sing together. Watch it with your little ones and sing the song with them when you visit the canal.
“Spending time by inland water in London and the South East is good for your head, good for your heart and gives your children special memories. Parents, watch the film with your kids and take them out on the towpath for an adventure and nurseries, download the Learning Bundle and get creative. Let's sing about safety together!”
Maddie Moate
Presenter Maddie Moate, known amongst other things, for CBeebies' ‘Maddie's Do You Know?', provided the voiceover for the film.
Maddie said: “Children are naturally curious, and we want to keep their inquisitiveness thriving, while keeping them safe. Having worked with many young children, I know how quick they are to absorb information and the water safety poem and song will really help little children learn while having fun.”
The poem:
The waterside is fun to go,
But there are things you need to know.
Let's stay safe and not be silly,
The water here is very chilly.
Find your grown-up, hold their hand,
Two steps back is where you stand.
Look out for bugs and ducks that quack,
But always do it two steps back.
