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Since May, pupils have been taking part in a project called Water Smart Schools, run by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK).

The programme helps children learn about water safety in a way that’s practical and suitable for their age, and it helps them to understand risks, make safer choices and feel more confident around water.

It consists of five classroom sessions, Key Stage 2 swimming lessons, a visit to Crucial Crew and an educational visit from the RNLI.

In June, during the RLSS UK's Drowning Prevention Week, the first five schools successfully achieved the Bronze award:

• Alderman Davies Church in Wales Primary

• Awel Y Môr Primary

• Blaengwrach Primary

• Gnoll Primary

• Ysgol Carreg Hir
 

Since then, a further 21 schools have completed the programme and are now Water Smart Bronze Award holders:

• Baglan Primary

• Blaenbaglan Primary

• Blaendulais Primary

• Catwg Primary

• Crynallt Primary

• Cwmnedd Primary

• Eastern Primary

• Sandfields Primary

• St Joseph's Catholic Primary

• Tonna Primary

• Tywyn Primary

• YGG Blaendulais

• YGG Castell-nedd

• YGG Cwmllynfell

• YGG Cwmnedd

• YGG Gwaun Cae Gurwen

• YGG Pontardawe

• YGG Rhosafan

• YGG Trebannws

• YGG Tyle'r Ynn

• Ysgol Bae Baglan
 

The team is set to continue working closely with local primary schools across Neath Port Talbot and extend the programme to more pupils.

Cllr Nia Jenkins, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, said:

“Now the summer holidays have started, it’s reassuring to know more than 3,500 children across Neath Port Talbot have benefited from this important water safety programme. Learning how to spot the risks, make safe choices and be confident yet sensible around water are life skills that can help keep our young people safe both now and in the future.

“A huge well done to all pupils and staff at 26 schools, and a special thank you again to delivery partners Celtic Leisure, Afan Valley Swimming, Freedom Leisure, RNLI Port Talbot and Crucial Crew for their continued support.

"We are proud to support projects that benefit the wellbeing and safety of local children, and I look forward to seeing even more schools across Neath Port Talbot take part in the Water Smart Schools programme in the years ahead."