RNLI Rhyl Holds Swim Safe Events

Swim Safe teaches children aged 7–14 how to stay safe when swimming outdoors, which is often more challenging than swimming in a pool. The programme was created jointly by Swim England, the national governing body for swimming in England, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the charity that saves lives at sea.

The hour-long Swim Safe sessions are run by qualified swimming teachers, supported by a team of trained volunteers. The first 20 minutes covers land-based safety and then it is into the water for practical tuition with a swimming teacher. Wetsuits, swimming hats and a free goody bag with a t-shirt are all provided. Children must be able to swim at least 25 metres to take part.

This years event was held on the beach just outside the lifeboat station, and was supported by the Rhyl Kite Surf School.

Lesley Wilde, RNLI Rhyl Water Safety Officer and Swim Safe organiser said 'The FREE Swim Safe sessions are a fantastic opportunity for children to come down to the beach to learn about keeping safe in and around the water at the coast or inland during the summer holidays and beyond, I'd like to thank Simon and all the team at the Kite Surf School for their fantastic support, along with Karl's Chippy, Prestatyn, Dominic Senger, HQ Prestatyn, Fins Swim School, and Marcus Stables of Rhyl, for helping to fund the free sessions for the children.

We've tragically seen over the last few years, that children can and do get into trouble around the water so Swim Safe can play a very important part in keeping our future generations safe. It was great to see how successful and well received the event was, so much so, we are hoping to hold more sessions in the future!'