A NATIONAL drowning prevention charity welcomed Shipston and Bidford MP Nadhim Zahawi during a special visit last month.

Mr Zahawi was given an insight into the work of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), based in Broom, near Bidford, and joined one of its Save A Baby’s Life workshops.

The charity works tirelessly to promote drowning prevention messages and deliver water safety education as well as a range of awards and programmes that teach lifesaving skills to all ages.

It also has a community outreach programme with Save A Baby’s Life and adult CPR workshops.

“It was fantastic to visit RLSS UK HQ in Broom and get an insight into the high quality work they carry out throughout the country,”

said Mr Zahawi.

“A basic knowledge of first aid can save a life, and the fact that there hasn’t been a drowning in an RLSS UK lifeguarded pool in nearly two years, shows just how effective their training can be.

“Not knowing what to do in an emergency is something every parent dreads, so I was very pleased to be invited to take part in the ‘Save a Baby’s Life’ class. The teaching was first class and I learnt a huge amount.”

During his visit, Mr Zahawi met with RLSS UK chief executive officer Di Standley and RLSS UK deputy president Ian Hutchins.

They discussed the many areas of the work of the charity including its annual fund-raising campaign, Drowning Prevention Week, and the recent launch of its support forum and counselling service for those affected by drowning.

Miss Standley said: “It was fantastic to meet Nadhim and let him know of all of the exciting things we do as a charity.

“It was also especially nice that he had the opportunity to take part in one of our Save A Baby’s Life workshops and learn some key lifesaving skills, particularly as he has a 13-month-old daughter.”

Save A Baby’s Life workshops run across the country, but due to increasing demand, RLSS UK is looking for volunteer instructors.

For more information, visit rlss.org.uk.