Bookings now open for Swim Safe lessons in the south west

The programme for children aged 7-14 will be coming to Penzance and the Isles of Scilly for the first time this year, as well as returning to locations in Bude, Jersey and Plymouth.

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 the south west this summer holiday.

Swim Safe for Schools will be held at Jubilee Pool in Penzance between 27 June- 8 July. The programme will take place for classes of school children on the Isles of Scilly between 18 - 22 July at Porthmellon beach in St Mary’s.

Public Swim Safe sessions will take place between 7 -12 August at St Brelade’s Bay in Jersey while sessions especially for schools will take place on selected days between 13 June - 5 July.

At Bude public sessions will take place Tuesdays to Thursdays between 26 July-25 August at Summerleaze Beach and Bude Sea Pool.

Public Swim Safe sessions will take place in Plymouth between 29 July - 26 August at Tinside Lido, with sessions specially for school children taking place between 20 June - 1 July at Tinside Lido and 4 - 8 July at Mountwise Lido during the school summer term.

Last year RNLI lifeguards aided 12,845 people on beaches in the south west*, saving 55 lives. 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.

James Millidge, RNLI Community Incident Reduction Manager, said: ‘There are all sorts of environmental factors to consider when you’re swimming outdoors, and it’s important that children know how to call for help if they get into trouble.
‘We’re really looking forward to bringing Swim Safe to school children here in the south west. We’ve got enough spaces for more than 5,000 young people to come and learn some really important life skills.’

Bookings can be made now for a Swim Safe session at https://swimsafe.org.uk.

Ends
*The south west area of the RNLI includes Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the Channel Islands.

For more information please contact Chloe Smith, RNLI Press Officer, on [email protected] or call 07920 818807.

More high res images are available.

Notes to Editors

About Swim Safe
Swim Safe began in 2013 and ran for five weeks in Bude, Cornwall, teaching local children and those holidaying in the area how to be safe in and around the sea. By 2015 the programme had expanded to Bude, Bournemouth, Sandhaven, the Lake District, the Isle of Man, Plymouth and Jersey and included the introduction of Swim Safe For Schools. This year the programme will be delivered in over 13 locations with thousands of places available. For more information visit www.swimming.org/swimsafe

About the ASA
The ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) is the English national governing body for swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo. It organises competitions throughout England, establishes the laws of the sport, and operates a comprehensive certification and education programmes for teachers, coaches and officials. There are over 1,000 affiliated swimming clubs which are supported by the ASA through a national, regional and county structure. Millions of children have been taught to swim through the ASA’s learn to swim programmes. The ASA also develops programmes and initiatives to increase the number of people swimming more often.  For more information visit: www.swimming.org/asa

About the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea. The RNLI’s volunteer crews provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland from 237 lifeboat stations. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,100 lifeguards on over 220 beaches around the UK and encourages families visiting the coast to always choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 141,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,700 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.