Introducing the Gogglehedz on World Drowning Prevention Day - July 25, 2023

A Book Series by Katy Sexton MBE & Oliver Stubbs Illustrator

Tuesday 25th July: Created by World champion and Olympic Swimmer Katy Sexton MBE and illustrator Oliver Stubbs, the Gogglehedz are the newest water safety crew in town. 

The characters are brought to life in a series of books aimed at educating young children and their parents about the hazards and dangers in and around the water.

The first book in the series was launched at Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool on 25 July to coincide with World Drowning Prevention Day.

Speaking about the book launch, Olympian Katy said: “Drowning Prevention Day seemed the perfect day to launch our first book. We want people to enjoy learning about water safety by making it fun and educational for both children and adults. It’s about enjoying the water, respecting the water and being aware of how dangerous it can be.”

Both Katy and Oliver work as swimming instructors and are passionate about teaching children about water safety and how to swim. 

“We’ve tried to recreate scenarios in memorable stories with fun characters that help educate children and their families. Preventing childhood drowning is the key message.” said Oliver Stubbs.

The idea for the book was conceived two years ago while Katy and Oliver attended an open water safety course. They are now hoping to begin an outreach programme, taking the books into schools and the wider community.

Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool opened in 1962, in part to provide a safe environment for local children to learn to swim, following drowning incidents on the heath.

‘The Gogglehedz and the Stormy Day’ retails at £7.95 and is available to purchase at the Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool, (signed copies available) and on the website www.gogglehedz.com and at tricornbooks.com.