THE schools are now out for the summer and the usual warnings are coming into force.

Ensuring youngsters remain safe while having fun during the school holidays is imperative - particularly when the warm weather brings with it the temptation to cool off.

Research released by the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) and the RNLI, the charity saving lives at sea, shows that a fifth of children have experienced trouble in open water, with 40 per cent of parents saying it was a serious incident.

Launching its biggest ever open water safety initiative - 'Swim Safe' - for the third year, the ASA and RNLI are urging parents not to rely on others to keep their children safe when around open water, and to make sure their children are proficient in open water situations.

Swim Safe aims to give children aged between seven and 14 visiting outdoor swimming spots the opportunity to understand and learn about the differences between swimming in the confines of a pool and the challenges of swimming in an open water environment.

The aim of the campaign is to educate parents on the dangers of their children swimming in sea and lakes. Despite warnings that swimming in temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius can seriously affect breathing and movement, 26 per cent of parents don't believe cold water would affect their child's swimming ability.

While most fatalities occur in open water or in the sea, the research reveals that nearly half (43 per cent) of parents wrongly believe that if their child can swim in a pool they will be safe in the sea. Worryingly one in eight parents admit they don't always supervise their children when they are in the sea or open water, even though one in seven parents say their child cannot swim - they may need floats, don't take their feet off the floor or can't swim at all.

Hannah Haley, from Aquatic Stars in Bradford, is used to teaching water safety to youngsters. In June Hannah was involved in the Royal Life Saving Society Drowning Prevention Week.

She says the need to raise awareness around water safety is imperative, particularly during the summer months when there is a temptation to cool off as the temperatures rise.

"Most people that drown can swim. Things that make people drown are the cold. The cold kills people. It is making people aware that even if they can swim it is still an issue," says Hannah, who runs classes at Southfield Grange Academy in Wibsey.

Hannah also advises against jumping in to rescue pets, and urges people to call the emergency services instead. "I tell people not to go after pets, they get out and people don't."

Jon Glenn, Head of Learn to Swim at the ASA, said: “Swimming in the sea or in lakes is great fun, especially when you are on your summer holidays, but it is also a lot different to swimming in a pool.

“Open water can be very unpredictable; even calm, shallow waters can quickly become dangerous, so it is essential that both children and parents know how to stay safe.

“The findings from our survey show that while many parents are very knowledgeable about the potential risks, there is still a lack of awareness about how water temperature can impact on a young person’s swimming ability. The results also showed that parents don’t always supervise their children, which is a particular worry.

“That’s why as part of this year’s Swim Safe programme we have also provided specific information to remind parents of the need to supervise their children while they are out swimming or playing in the water, and who to call on for help if required.”

Pip Hare, RNLI Coastal Safety Manager, said: “Combining the water safety knowledge of RNLI lifeguards with the expertise of ASA swimming teachers allows us to provide children with the skills and knowledge they need to keep safe in open water.

“We’re lucky to have some fantastic stretches of coastline and beautiful inland waterways in and around the UK, and the summer holidays are a great time to explore them. However, we urge families to always swim at a lifeguarded area and remember that, although the weather may be hot, any stretch of open water can still be very cold.

“Cold water can quickly make you tired and short of breath while open water may often hold hidden hazards, so it’s important to make sure that children are closely supervised when swimming."

Since Swim Safe launched in 2013, more than 6,000 children have taken part in the free programme. This year it has expanded to six locations, with space for up to 12,500 young people to participate and gain valuable open water safety advice and experience.