YOUNG swimmers in South Gloucestershire are being warned to learn about the hidden risks of water thanks to an online game from leisure centres.

“Spot the Dangers”, which has been produced by Active Leisure Centres ahead of Drowning Prevention Week, June 18-26, is for up to11-year-olds, giving advice on how to stay safe near water.

Set on a beach abroad, the game identifies common dangers including water currents, swimming out of patrolled areas and swimming alone.

Statistics from Drowning Prevention show one person drowns every 20 hours in the UK and hundreds more suffer life-changing injuries through near drowning.

On average, more than 400 people drown in a pool in the UK each year. Nearly 60 of these are children and young people.

More UK children die in pools while abroad on holiday than in pools in the UK.

Julie Gazzard, swim manager at Active Centres, which runs leisure centres in Thornbury and Yate, said: “It is never too early to educate children about water safety, and our swim academy welcomes babies from three months.

“We offer a range of programmes including a swim school, which progresses children from non-swimmer to competent swimmer; and the Rookies Lifesaving Course, which enables children to learn basic lifesaving skills.

“Water safety is such an important life skill for children to have, which is why we are so passionate about getting it right.

“In addition, we work with local primary schools across South Gloucestershire to offer lessons during term time so every child is given the opportunity to swim.”

“Spot the Dangers” can be found by visiting morepeoplemoreactive.co.uk/spotthedangers/