Jersey schoolchildren learnt outdoor water safety ready for summer
In a collaborative effort by the RNLI, Swim England, Jersey Sport and the Bosdet Foundation, Swim Safe has completed its fifth year in Jersey as a mandatory programme for all Year Five children to learn vital outdoor water safety skills.
From 21 June to 5 July, over 950 children from 28 schools across the island took part in the programme, which teaches them how to swim safely outdoors and what to do if they, or someone else, get into difficulty in the water.
In an additional module unique to Jersey run in partnership with Protect Blue, an ocean education agency, children also learn about ocean advocacy and the importance of keeping the ocean and beaches clean.
Martine Le Guilcher, Jersey Sport’s Swimming Development Officer, said, ‘Living on an island, the Swim Safe programme is invaluable. Working in partnership with the RNLI and Swim England helps to ensure local children receive the correct messages on how to stay safe in and around water.’
Charlotte Francis, Swim Safe Area Coordinator, said, ‘We want to give children the skills to enjoy outdoor swimming safely. Swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool where most children learn and these fun sessions also provide advice on what to do should anything go wrong.’
In order for children to take part, they must be between the ages of 7-14 and be able to swim 25 metres unaided. For information on Swim Safe in your local area, visit swimsafe.org.uk
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