A Leyland community group is searching for a local swimming pool that can offer free, two-hour hire sessions to teach children how to combat their fear of the water.

Community Network and Outreach Service (CNOS) have urged pool providers around the Leyland and South Ribble areas (but the group is open to other suggestions) to make contact.

The group aims to help children tackle their initial fear of the water, as many lost over two years of lessons due to the Covid-19 pandemic and face a long waiting list backlog.

Read more: In pictures: Preston Community Hub hosts annual Summer Fair fundraiser

A CNOS representative said: “Rebecca’s input is massively important to spread the educational side and safety information about open water and the dangers, highlighting things people may not think about.

“Her goal is to ensure water safety and drowning prevention is taught as part of the curriculum because relevant things make a difference in everyday life choices, and the deaths continue to increase each summer.

“We ran our first session at Leyland Baths because it was a South Ribble Council-funded bid, but we want to be able to support Becky in the longer term.”

Read more: Loved ones help raise £50,000 in memory of Leyland woman 

The group said they are currently taking a second intake list due to the success of the first and are searching for pools to run it and funding to help support projects going forward.

To contact the group, visit their Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064230403655

See what’s happening near you by entering your postcode below or visit InYourArea

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Do you know of anywhere that might be able to help? Let us know in the comments below.