THE Broom-based charity the Royal Life Saving Society UK received a visit from Stratford MP Nadhim Zahawi recently.

The UK’s drowning prevention charity welcomed the MP to its headquarters to learn all about its work, and join one of the organisation’s ‘Save a Baby’s Life’ workshops.

The charity works to deliver water safety education, and promote drowning prevention messages, and it also gives out a range of awards and programmes to teach lifesaving skills to all ages.

Mr Zahawi took part in one of the charity’s community outreach Save a Baby’s Life’ workshops which they run along side adult CPR classes.

He said: “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.

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.

“The fact that these classes are provided to local communities for free is of huge benefit to parents and carers throughout the country.”

While he was at the charity, Mr Zahawi met with RLSS UK chief executive officer, Di Standley and deputy president, Ian Hutchins, to discuss its annual fundraising campaign Drowning Prevention Week.

Ms Standley said: “It was fantastic to meet Nadhim and let him know of all of the exciting things we do as a charity, as well as raise awareness of our tireless work to reduce the number of drownings in the UK – of which there are around 400 every year.

“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. We would like to thank Nadhim and appreciate his support.”

To find out more about RLSS UK, and local ‘Save A Baby’s Life’ visit rlss.org.uk.