Families are invited to storytelling sessions aimed at improving water safety.

Each year, thousands of parents and carers with young children visit the local Trent and Mersey canal and Wheelock Wharf to enjoy the fresh air and wildlife.

However, research by the Canal & River Trust shows that many experience a level of anxiety when they are with their children near water.

That is why the charity has launched the Water Safety for Little Explorers campaign, aiming to help parents talk to their children about staying safe by the water.

As part of this, families with young children will be able to attend storytelling and song events at Cheshire East Libraries over the coming weeks. 

A session will be held at Sandbach library on Monday (March 3rd) at 10.30am,

Inside Congleton Library (Credit: CEC)

The storybook, released in February 2024, is called 'Quack, Quack, Take Two Steps Back!' and tells the story of Squirrel and Mouse, whose acorn ball falls in the water. 

With the help of their friends, they get their nut back and learn all about staying safe by water. 

In 2024, around 44 nurseries in Cheshire East received a free copy of 'Quack, Quack, Take Two Steps Back!', written and illustrated by Matt Buckingham at Muddy Publishing.

Annette Simpson, national education manager at the Canal & River Trust, says: "For the millions of families living alongside or near them, canals and rivers are a back garden and first classroom. 

"There are bugs to find, ducks to spot and boats to watch going through locks.

"It's never too early to start talking to children about staying safe by water and our storybook is a fun way to introduce safety. 

"Read it with your little ones and then practise taking two steps back with them when you visit the canal."

The storybook would not have been possible without support from players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said: "Canals are such special places for families to spend time and teaching children to be safe by water is as important as learning about fire and road safety.

"I am delighted that our players support the important work of Canal & River Trust, ensuring that families are making the most of the canals in their areas, fully enjoying what's on offer."

To read the book, go to https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/explorers/schools/water-safety/information-and-advice/helping-toddlers-and-pre-school-children-to-stay-safe.

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