Lido Revival: A Lifesaving Skill for Kids?

Campaigners aiming to reopen Otley Lido in West Yorkshire stress the importance of revitalizing swimming facilities for teaching children water safety. This initiative comes as open water drownings have increased, particularly since May's heatwaves began. The Friends of Otley Lido group believes restoring such facilities offers a vital safe space for swimming and social interaction.

Leonie Sharp, chair of the group, noted that the closure of open-air pools has not aided water safety education. As a result, many children are leaving primary school without essential swimming training. Yorkshire alone has recorded at least four open water deaths over the summer months, underscoring the urgent need for accessible swimming education and facilities.