Stourport is a town surrounded by water, with canals, basins and the River Severn running directly through it. During hot weather, many young people are drawn to the river to cool off, often without understanding the risks.
Youth Direxions, which has delivered youth provision in the town for over 25 years, designed a dedicated water‑safety and wellbeing programme over the summer, to help young people understand cold‑water shock, hidden underwater hazards, and how to enjoy open water safely.
The project, supported by a Public Health grant, gave young people the chance to learn essential skills about staying safe around open water while taking part in exciting, supervised activities across the UK. The programme also aimed to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing by giving them opportunities to build confidence, teamwork and social skills through shared experiences.
Members visited the Elan Valley Dams in Wales to learn where local water supplies come from and how the dams were constructed. They also took part in a fully supervised session at Cliff Lakes Outdoor Aqua Park in Tamworth, where they received a safety briefing and used full protective equipment on the inflatable assault course. Young people also visited the Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire, learning about cold‑water shock, the dangers of diving from height, how tides work and what beach safety flags mean.
The impact of these adventures combined with real time water safety advice and awareness was huge.
One young person said: “We always see the older kids going swimming in the Severn. We thought it looked like good fun, but we knew it could be dangerous. We’ve learnt that you can die from cold water shock, and you never know what is under the surface.”
Another added: “Even with a wetsuit on at the Blue Lagoon the sea was freezing cold. I can’t even imagine jumping in the river in my swim shorts. The shock of the water can kill you.”
Another said: “I loved Cliff Lakes – the inflatable assault course is the best thing ever. I was so tired after a day there but it has shown me that you can have fun in the water safely.”
Organisers said the project had strengthened young people’s understanding of water safety while giving them valuable opportunities to develop confidence, social skills and teamwork. They described the Public Health funding as essential in helping young people learn how to keep themselves safe in a town where water is part of everyday life.
For more info on Youth Direxions please see: Stourport Youth Club | Facebook
If you have a creative idea to boost wellbeing in your community, you can apply for a public health grant via our website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants