YOUNGSTERS at a primary school have had a whale of a time learning all about water safety.

Children at Wearhead Primary School, in Upper Weardale, had a visit from police community support officer (PCSO) Tim Gilks, who gave a talk about water dangers and safety measures ahead of the summer school holidays.

Mr Gilks shared interesting facts and quizzed the children on their knowledge of everyday dangers.

He also gave them insight into what they could do to help someone in need or if they got into difficulty themselves.

The PSCO spoke about the dangers of cold water shock and said he was impressed by the children’s knowledge.

Cold water shock is the first stage of a sudden and unexpected immersion in water – which temperature is of 15 °C or lower – and happens during the first minute of exposure.

Wearhead Primary School headteacher, Tim Hiley, thanked PCSO Gilks for the visit and and said his message was 'vital'.

He said: “Certainly where schools are inland, water safety can often be forgotten but there are so many quarries and small streams that getting this message across is really important.

"We have been learning about safety ahead of the summer holidays and have looked into sun safety and stranger danger."

“It was an excellent opportunity for the children to learn about the dangers and gave them a chance to meet their local PCSO."