Help children learn how to Swim Safe in the West Midlands for free this summer

Swim Safe, the national programme created by Swim England and the RNLI, teaches children how to swim safely outdoors and what to do if they get into trouble.

The 60-minute sessions are run by qualified swimming instructors and lifeguards and supported by a team of volunteers.

This summer, Swim Safe sessions are being held at the Swan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park between Monday 6 August and Wednesday 8 August.

Children aged 7­–­­­14 that 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.

Andy Stead, Swim Safe coordinator for the West Midlands, 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 welcome to stay during the session to find out more about making sure their children are safe at the beach and by the 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, local councils and RNLI lifeguard teams. In West Midlands, the delivery partners are Birmingham City Council and Sandwell Council.

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.