Good Morning Resident

Child Safety Week 2025 runs from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th June.

Child Safety Week is the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s annual community education campaign, acting as a catalyst for thousands of safety conversations and activities UK-wide.

We help families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children’s safety.

We want all children to have the freedom to grow and learn, safe from serious harm.

West Midlands Police supports Child Safety Week:

Raising Awareness of Water Dangers.

This week (2nd - 8th June 2025), West Midlands Police is supporting the Child Accident Prevention Trust's (CAPT) Child Safety Week, highlighting some of the everyday risks children may face and how we can work together to prevent them.

Children are at the heart of our families, and their safety is a priority for all of us. With the warmer weather, its natural for families to spend more time outdoors - but its important to stay alert to the hidden dangers posed by water.

Dangers of Open Water

Open water - such as lakes, canals, and reservoirs - is found throughout our region, especially in parks and along popular walking routes.

For young children, its vital they are always supervised closely near any water and kept a safe distance from the edges. Even shallow looking areas can pose serious risks.

Teenagers and older children are particularly at risk, often tempted to cool off in open water with friends. But even strong swimmers are vulnerable. The water might look calm and inviting, but there are serious risks:

Cold Water Shock can be fatal within 60 seconds - even on a hot day, the water temperature can cause your body to go into shock.

Lack of Safety Equipment nearby means its harder to help if someone gets into difficulty.

Unexpected Depth Changes and hidden underwater hazards are common.

Strong Currents can quickly pull swimmers under, even if the surface appears still.

Water Pollution and Toxic Algal Blooms can cause serious illness.

Water Safety at Home

Its not just lakes and rivers that pose a risk. Smaller bodies of water in gardens can also be dangerous - especially for toddlers.

When using paddling pools:

Always supervise children - never leave them unattended.

Check the temperature is safe.

Empty the pool completely when not in use.

Other garden water safety tips:

If you have a pond, consider filling it in or securing it with a fence or cover.

Make sure children cannot access neighbouring gardens with water features.

Hot tubs should always be covered when not in use, and children must be supervised at all times when inside.

Stay Informed

For free child safety advice for parents, carers, and professionals, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust website: CAPT.org.uk or follow them on instagram @capt_charity or on Facebook at Child Accident Prevention Trust.

If you need to contact West Midlands Police, call 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.