Bookings are now open for Swim Safe, the FREE programme of outdoor swimming and water safety sessions for children, which will be coming to Sandbanks beach this summer.
The free public Swim Safe sessions take place between 30 July–18 August, while there are also sessions especially for schools between 4–15 July.
The Swim Safe programme has so far taught over 11,600 children in the UK how to safely enjoy swimming in outdoor environments. Practical, interactive, educational and fun, each session includes a land-based safety lesson with a lifeguard, followed by in-water tuition with a swimming teacher. Wetsuits, swimming hats and a free goody bag with t-shirt are all provided.
Delivered in partnership between the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) and the RNLI charity (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Swim Safe is perfect for families living in or visiting Poole this summer holiday.
Last year RNLI lifeguards aided 382 people on Poole beaches, rescuing 5 people from the water. While most of the incidents were minor, it’s important to remember that being in and around the sea is a very different environment to that of an indoor swimming pool.
Ashley Jones, Site Coordinator for Swim Safe at Sandbanks said: ‘There are all sorts of environmental factors to be aware of when you’re swimming in open water. It’s important that children know how to stay safe and call for help if they get into trouble.
‘We’re really looking forward to running Swim Safe for the first time on Sandbanks Beach this year.Our sessions will run every day except Fridays. We’ve got enough spaces for 2,700 young people to come and learn some really important life skills and we’d love to fill them.’
Mrs Sturgess whose son Zack took part in a session on nearby Bournemouth beach last year said: ‘My son absolutely loved his Swim Safe session on the beach last summer. Not only did it teach him some important skills, but he also had a fantastic time feeling confident in the water with the Swim Safe teachers.
‘I’d recommend any parent thinking of spending time at the beach this summer to register their child for a free session.’
Swim Safe is a growing programme which is taking place at several other locations across England and Wales this summer including Bude, the Isle of Man, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre, Barry Island, Penzance, South Shields, Scarborough, Jersey, the Isles of Scilly, the Lake District and two locations in Plymouth.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
