A REPORT on the dangers of York’s rivers earlier this week made for shocking reading. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said the death rate in York’s rivers over recent years had been twice the national average. It highlighted several key risk factors – including ‘slip and trip’ dangers, and river banks which make it difficult for those who fall or jump in to get out again.

The city council has begun work to reduce those risks, with promises of better safety equipment, alongside improvements to river banks and railings.

Today we report on another positive response. In a move prompted by the tragic death of four people already this year, schoolchildren are being given better river safety training. Over the summer, the council funded water safety lessons at Energise. And since September, schools have had water safety and ‘aquatic skills’ added to their curriculum.

The programme is still in its early stages. As York High headteacher David Ellis says, getting proper access to pools for schools is still a problem. Councillors who decide on the future of the Yearsley Pool might want to bear that in mind.

But it is good to see proper emphasis being put on water safety in school. That is surely the way to ensure the next generation grow up more aware of the dangers – and more able to help others or get themselves out of trouble in a crisis.