Children told no paddling on school trips

Children are being banned from paddling in water during school trips under new health and safety guidelines.

Pupils are ordered not to wade into ankle-deep water unless teachers first carry out a full risk assessment and put “proper measures in place”.

Staff are expected to check rivers, ponds and the sea for currents and rocks before allowing children to dip their feet.



Guidance issued to schools warns that any “impromptu water-based activities” could pose dangers to children – including hypothermia.

The rules were branded “ridiculous” by parents’ groups.

It prompted fresh concerns that children’s development risked being undermined by over-zealous health and safety regulations.