LEISURE centres and fire fighters are teaming up to educate youngsters about the dangers of open water to mark drowning prevention week.

New statistics show that almost half of all children leave primary school unable to swim, and alarming statistics show that drowning if the third leading cause of accidental death in children in the UK.

To combat this, leisure centres across East Lancashire are offering swimming courses to help youngsters learn to swim unaided.

The campaign has been backed by Melanie and Pete, the parents of 17-year-old James Goodship, who tragically drowned at Lake Burwain in Colne when he and his friends were playing on a makeshift raft last year.

This week staff and swimming instructors from Pendle Leisure Trust’s three leisure centres will join forces with fire-fighters from Nelson Fire Station to teach youngsters about the dangers of swimming in outside water.

Participants will learn numerous life-saving skills, including CPR and swimming techniques.

The fire brigade will also demonstrate reach rescue/throw and rescue and talk about hot spots and how to dial 999.

Christine Britton, Pendle Leisure Trust’s swimming co-ordinator, said: “We already carry out water safety training three times a year across all three of our sites, teaching children about how dangerous water can be, especially rivers, reservoirs and the beach.

“This is another chance for us to drum home the message to schoolchildren during drowning prevention week.”

A further session is being held today (Thursday) at West Craven Sports Centre.

Hyndburn Leisure has also launched its 'take swimming seriously campaign'.

Cllr Ken Moss, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “Swimming is one of the most popular participation sports in the country, which is why I was completely shocked when I read these figures.

“Hyndburn Leisure’s learn to swim programme is suitable for children of all ages, not just younger children as some parents expect. In fact, we recently taught a group of 10 adults to swim and plan more adult courses in the future.”

Steve Tanti, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, said: “We want to do all we can to make sure every child is safe in the water. That is why we are launching this campaign."

A ‘crash course’ of swimming lessons has also been launched during the summer, costing just £20 for an intensive week-long course.

Hyndburn Council is also subsidising swimming throughout the school holidays, meaning any child under 16 can swim for just £1.

For more information on learn to swim programmes at Hyndburn and Mercer Hall Leisure Centres, call 01254 385 945.