Help children learn how to Swim Safe in St Ives for free this summer

Run by Swim England and the RNLI, the free, fun activity teaches children how to swim outdoors and what do if they get into trouble.

This summer, Swim Safe sessions are being held at SurfHouse St Ives every Monday during the school holidays from 23 July to 27 August. Parents and carers can book a free place for their children by visiting swimsafe.org.uk.

Children aged 7­–­­­14 who can swim at least 25 metres can take part. Wetsuits and swim hats will be provided for the session and all young people will get a free goody bag and T-shirt.

Geoff Swallow, Swim Safe coordinator for St Ives, says: ‘Children love swimming outdoors, but swimming in the sea, rivers or lakes is very different to swimming in a pool, where most children learn.

‘Swim Safe is a free, fun activity that teaches kids lifelong skills that will help them enjoy open water safely.

‘Parents and carers are also encouraged to get involved and find out more about how their children can stay safe at the beach and by the open water.

‘Places are free to book at swimsafe.org.uk and children only need to bring their swim suit and a towel.’

Swim England and the RNLI launched Swim Safe in 2013 at a single venue in Cornwall. Now in its sixth year, Swim Safe has grown to include 29 locations across the UK hosting sessions for the public and local schools.

'The sessions are delivered by local partners, including community groups, leisure providers and local councils.

Media contacts

For more information, please contact:

RNLI (regional): Jessica Putt, Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or Amy Caldwell,, RNLI Regional Media Manager at [email protected]

RNLI (national): Mike Carhart-Harris, Public Relations Manager (Campaigns), on 01202 663168 / [email protected]

Swim England: Alison Clowes, Head of Media and Public Affairs, on 07919 548039 / [email protected]

Notes to Editors

About Swim Safe

Swim Safe was created by Swim England and the RNLI in 2013 to help children aged 7–14 stay safe while enjoying swimming outdoors.

From with a single scheme in Cornwall, Swim Safe has grown into a national programme spanning the UK. More than 13,000 children took part in a Swim Safe session at 20 locations in 2017.

This summer, Swim Safe is coming to 29 venues across England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It is being delivered in partnership with Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales, alongside a range of local delivery partners.

Swim Safe’s goal is for all children in the UK and Ireland to grow up with the skills to stay safe in and around the open water. Find out more at swimsafe.org.uk

About SurfHouse St Ives

SurfHouse St Ives is a community interest company set up to provide a broadly educational programme around surf, sea and marine culture and environment. SurfHouse is prominently located on The Island in St Ives, and to avoid traffic and parking delays in the busy summer period visitors are advised not to try to drive through the town, but to park at the Leisure Centre and take the shuttle bus service to Porthmeor, or to use the park and ride at St Erth and complete the journey to St Ives by train.

About Swim England

Formally known as the Amateur Swimming Association, Swim England is the national governing body for swimming in England. It helps people learn how to swim, enjoy the water safely, and compete in all aquatic sports.

Swim England’s vision is of a nation swimming and it strives to inspire everyone to enjoy the water in the way that suits them. Each month millions of people are able to enjoy swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming, having been through the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.

Swim England also supports its members, clubs and athletes, and runs qualification and education programmes to develop the workforce. For more information, visit swimming.org/swimengland

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.