Swim Safe programme returns to beaches across the south west
Swim Safe returns to the south west this summer, aimed at teaching children how to swim safely in the sea. The free sessions are run by Elemental UK at Swanpool Beach in Falmouth and Elemental Surf Academy in Newquay, and by Plymouth Active Leisure and Plymouth National Marine Park at Tinside Lido.
Swim England and the RNLI launched the Swim Safe programme in 2013 to help children learn how to stay safe in and around open water. Children aged 7-14 get to enjoy a fun, structured swimming session at a choice of open water locations throughout the summer holidays. The 60-minute sessions are run by qualified lifeguards and instructors, and includes water safety advice, up to 30 minutes in-water tuition with qualified instructors and all the right kit for swimming outdoors (including swimming hats, wetsuits, and swimming aids).
Recent figures released by the RNLI reveal that in the south west last year, RNLI lifeguards aided over 9,000 people, including 2,410 children aged 7-14. They also saved the lives on 12 children in this group. Younger children required assistance more than any other age group.
The sessions in Falmouth take place at Swanpool beach, delivered by Elemental UK.
The sessions in Newquay take place at and are delivered by Elemental UK at the Elemental Surf Academy.
In Plymouth the sessions are at Tinside Lido and delivered by Plymouth Active Leisure and Plymouth National Marine Park.
To sign up to a session please visit: Book your session - Swim Safe
Joel Ninnes, South West RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support said:
‘Last year, RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews were busy, aiding more than 25,000 people and saving 437 lives.
‘By educating children about water safety from a young age, together we can help reduce the number of incidents around our coasts and at inland locations.
‘That’s why we are encouraging parents of children between the ages of 7 and 14 to sign them up to the free Swim Safe sessions to help build their confidence in and around the water, while learning vital skills which could save their lives such as how to Float.
‘This is a simple technique where you lean back like a starfish, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. It allows you to control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety and is proven to save lives.’
The RNLI’s key water safety advice for 7-14 year-olds is:
-
Stop and think – Always swim in a safe place
-
Stay together – Always swim with an adult, younger children should always be within arms reach
-
Float – If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float on your back like a starfish
-
Call 999/112 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard
Notes to editors
· To find out more and book your child’s free Swim Safe place, visit https://swimsafe.org.uk/
· Swim England and the RNLI work closely with local partners to facilitate Swim Safe sessions
· Children must be able to swim 25m unaided to be eligible for a session
Media contacts
For more information, please contact Colleen Semple on [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected], or RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or via [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, 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.