Swim Safe launches in Harwich this summer
Swim Safe, the free national outdoor swimming and water safety programme for children, launches in Essex for the first time in August.
Created by Swim England and RNLI, the free sessions teach 7–14-year-olds how to swim outdoors and what to do if they get into trouble in the water. The sessions take place at Dovercourt Beach in Harwich between 13 to 15, and 23 to 25 August.
Charlotte Francis, Swim Safe Area Coordinator for Harwich 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.’
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.
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 Harwich Swim Safe sessions are organised and delivered by Mandy Martin and Debbie Sampson-Scott, Site Coordinators for this area. They will be working with local swimming teachers and supported by Dovecourt Fire Station and local residents.
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
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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.