Learning by mistakes – Safety in Action 2005
Nearly 600 children will be putting their knowledge and survival skills to the test at this year's Safety in Action event at Herstmonceux Castle between June 27 – July 1, 2005.
This ‘hands-on’ safety event, organised by Wealden District Council, will provide youngsters with examples of life-or-death situations involving the emergency services. But at Safety in Action they can make mistakes - and find out what could have been the consequence, if it had happened in real life.
“We all make mistakes, but for some situations confronting young people, the consequences can be irreversible. That is why it is important we all work to help them make sure they know what to do in dangerous situations,” said Councillor Pam Doodes, Cabinet Member of Health & Public Safety.
This year’s event includes a new scenario tackling the hazards of inland and coastal waters. Last year 40 children drowned in the UK, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Wealden is pleased to be welcoming the Coastguard Agency which is joining the event for the first time.
Other organisations running safety scenarios include Sussex Ambulance; East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service; Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust /Eastbourne Downs PCT; Sussex Police; Health and Safety Executive; Edf Energy; Network Rail and Wealden Animal Welfare Service.
Simulated dangers which the children from 19 different Wealden primary schools will have to tackle include:
-a youth throwing bags onto a railway line,
-an arson attack,
-being approached by strangers,
-helping with a casualty.
Edf Energy has put up an award of £150 for the winning school and Servomex, Crowborough, has donated £100 for the Lawrence Reeve Memorial trophy which will be presented to the school achieving the highest marks in the road safety scenario.
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