According to the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) there were no drowning deaths in public swimming pools anywhere in the UK during 2012.

RLSS said that as the number of swimming pool deaths has fluctuated between five and 10 in recent years, the figure is a great achievement.

Tara Dillon, executive director of RLSS's trading subsidiary IQL, said: "The news today of no pool drownings means that all those involved in pool lifeguarding should be very proud .

"It is testament to the hard work, commitment, passion and dedication of pool lifeguards, trainers and approved training centre's all working together to achieve this incredible result."