A LEADING North-East charity is organising water safety sessions for children, after drownings in the region.

In the first week of this year's schools holidays five youngsters drowned - including three in the North-East.

As a direct response to the accidents, the Children's Foundation is to hold the training sessions for children and their parents on Tyneside and Wearside. The group is also putting out a general safety message which it hopes will be heeded throughout the region.

Susan Warlock, project co-ordinator of the charity's Whoops! Child Safety project, says: "The sessions aim to combine creative messages with first aid instruction and we hope to give children and parents vital lifesaving information which may help prevent another tragedy".

It has been estimated that three-quarters of drownings happen when swimmers go into cold rivers, lakes and ponds where they encounter dangers such as fast-flowing water, slippery slopes or rubbish.

About 60 children drown in accidents every year, including about ten young children who get into difficulties within minutes of not being supervised by an adult.

Whoops! recommends that parents teach their children the water safety code so youngsters can spot hidden dangers when near water and take positive action should they get into difficulties.

The safety code

DO:

* Spot the dangers

* Take safety advice

* Don't go alone

* Learn how to help

* Wait at least an hour after eating before swimming

* Go swimming with a friend

* Take care with inflatable toys, particularly in the sea

* Get out of the water if you feel cold

* Take notice of flags and signs

* Obey lifeguards instructions

* Keep a close eye on small children.

DON'T:

* Swim near rocks or piers

* Dive in shallow water

* Mess about in the pool as you could distract the lifeguar