July 2026

Drowning Prevention – Stay safe near water from The Lancashire Water Safety Partnership

When the warm weather hits, please don’t be tempted to cool off by jumping into open water, particularly from height –

• The water is colder than it looks, even on a warm evening or sunny day
• Jumping straight in from height can lead to cold water shock even for those who think themselves strong swimmers
• Currents may be stronger than they look and even hidden
• There are often hidden dangers beneath the surface and water can be polluted
• If you are going into open water, go to a supervised location and do it as safely as possible – check for risks and enter gradually to let your body get used to the temperature

For Anyone in Trouble in the Water:

• Phone – 999
• Float – Tell them not to panic and, if they can’t stand, to float on their back in a starfish shape. When calmer,  encourage them towards you.
• Throw – find something that floats or a throw/life line and throw it to them so it is within arms reach

Talk to Teenagers about Water Safety

There is great advice here.

Water Safety on Holiday and at Home

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) urges parents to choose high-visibility, bright, or fluorescent coloured swimwear (e.g., pink, yellow, green, and red) for their children rather than colours such as blue, white and grey, which are more difficult to see underwater as these tend to blend in or disappear in the water. Brightly coloured swimwear makes it even easier to spot your children both in the water and on land. It’s important too to keep your child under constant supervision when playing and swimming in the water.

There is more holiday water safety advice here.

Remember to not leave young children unsupervised in the garden where there is water, such as ponds, paddling pools and hot tubs, and cover them up if possible when they aren’t in use. More information can be found here about this and other situations, as well as Water Safety Activities for children –

World Drowning Prevention Day (Saturday 25 July 2026)

To help raise awareness, landmarks across the whole of Lancashire are being lit blue on the evening of Saturday 25 July. Please look out for those that take part to remind us that ‘anyone can drown, no one should’. In previous years these have included Blackpool Tower, Fleetwood Marine Hall, Lytham Windmill, Chorley Town Hall and Clock Tower, Ormskirk Clock Tower, Skelmersdale Light Cube, Rivington Pike and the Pigeon Tower. We will post further details and confirm the locations  nearer the time on our Social Media Platforms. We would love to see your photos of them, so if you spot any (only the buildings though please – try not to include people) you can send the pictures to – preventionsupport@lancsfirerescue.org.uk

You can find lots more really good practical water safety advice for all different situations from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and partner organisations by clicking on this link.

You can find more safety information on the links below:

Cold Water Kills Poster

RNLI Learn to Float Poster

RLSS Be Safe At Inland Water Sites leaflet

RLSS – Water Safety Code

As you may be aware, there have been three fatalities linked to lithium batteries/chargers recently in Lancashire, two of which were children. We want to share some key fire safety advice to help keep people, especially children & families safe this summer. The attached leaflet shares advice on how electrical safety including the use & charging of lithium battery devices like e-bikes & e-scooters.

Whilst not everyone will have these devices at home, you may visit friends or family who do, so it is good to be aware.

Fire Safety Considerations

• Never charge devices on a hallway, stairwell or escape route. Lithium battery fires happen very rapidly & charging on these routes may prevent you from escaping.
• Only use the original charger the device came with – if you need a new one, this should be purchased from the manufacturer. Even if another device has a similar charger, do not use this as the voltage may be different leading to rapid overcharging.
• Store any lithium batteries somewhere cool, dry & out of the sun.
• If you see any damage – stop using the device immediately.
• Do not overcharge any device. Once it is charged, make sure it is unplugged.
• Never leave items on charge overnight or unattended.
• If a device has not been used/charged in some time, take extra care when using as the battery may have degraded over time.
• Only buy these devices from reputable sellers, never purchase batteries or e-bikes/scooters second hand or from unknown, unverified online sellers (i.e. on social media platforms) – you don? know what has happened to the device before you got it or if it is safe to use.

Watch Out – The Warning Signs

• Some heat is normal when charging, but if a battery becomes extremely home it may be defective. Stop charging and if possible, remove from home.
• If the battery is swollen, has bumps or is leaking this is a sign it has failed
• If there is a hissing sound or a strong chemical smell, this may mean internal damage.

If you experience any of the above, get everyone out of the property & call 999 for the Fire Service to attend. Please do not ignore the early warning signs & be safe this summer.

For more information

• Visit our website
• A video from London Fire Brigade about e-bikes & e-scooters
• Email preventionsupport@lancsfirerescue.org.uk for more help including a free Home Fire Safety Check.

Free School Meals – Who is Entitled?

Important Information for Families.

Firstly, if your child is already receiving Free School Meals and is in Years 3–11, there is nothing you need to do. The Local Authority already holds your information and will automatically check your child’s eligibility ahead of their return to school in September 2026.

If your child is in Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2), they will already have been receiving a free school meal through the universal infant scheme. If you have previously completed a Free School Meal application, so that your child’s school can access additional funding, your eligibility will also be automatically checked—so again, you do not need to take any action.

If your child has not been receiving a free school meal and you believe your they may be eligible please read the information below.

From September 2026, the Government is extending eligibility for Free School Meals. This means that more families may now qualify for support, even if they have not previously been eligible.

What this means for you

· If your household income is lower, your child may now be entitled to free school meals at school

· Schools receive additional funding (known as Pupil Premium) for every eligible child, which is used to support learning, resources and enrichment opportunities

· Even if your child prefers a packed lunch, applying can still bring valuable benefits to both your child and the school

What you need to do

· If you think you may now be eligible, we strongly encourage you to submit an application before the start of the academic year.

· Applications are quick, confidential and securely processed

· If your child is already receiving Free School Meals, you do not need to reapply

Why it’s important to apply

· Ensures your child receives all the support they are entitled to

· Helps the school access additional funding to support pupils

· May provide access to further support, such as help with trips or activities

If you would like further information or support with your application, please contact the school office.

We encourage all families to take a few minutes to check their eligibility — this support can make a real difference.