Midlands swim school supports charity launch

The charity has been set up in memory of eight-year-old Joshua Hillstead from Maypole in Birmingham, who died in hospital last year having been pulled from the River Arrow in Warwickshire. His mother Rebecca Hinde has founded the charity to mark the first anniversary of his death, with an aim to raise awareness and educate children, and adults, about the dangers of natural waterways.

With the water safety messaging ever high on Puddle Ducks’ agenda, it’s a charity that owners of the Birmingham franchise, Chris and Lisa Traves were keen to get involved in. Lisa commented: “Educating children to be safe in and around water is so important and something that we consistently promote. From water safety talks at local nurseries and schools to Pyjama Week, a national Puddle Ducks campaign that allows children to experience what it feels like to be fully clothed in water, we are keen to support the water safety message in any way we can”.

Chris added: “What happened to Joshua is truly heart-breaking. Our hope is that by working together with this wonderful local charity, we can raise awareness of water safety and prevent other families from experiencing the same devastation”.

Rebecca commented: “Our goal is to help all children to understand undercurrents, tides, ice, cold water shock, whilst also highlighting surrounding dangers such as sand banks, rocks, weeds and sudden drops. Young children should always be supervised around water, however, as children grow-up they will invariably find themselves in situations without their parents, therefore, it is vitally important to give them the skills and knowledge to keep themselves safe”.

To find out more about The Joshua Hillstead Foundation visit: facebook.com/people/The-Joshua-Hillstead-Foundation/61575126920504/

To find out more about Puddle Ducks Birmingham’s swimming lessons, get in touch by calling 0121 714 8820, emailing Birmingham@puddleducks.com or visit their website at puddleducks.com/local-teams/birmingham