Children across Cornwall urged to take up free water safety lessons from the RNLI
Families are being encouraged to book their kids into the Swim Safe sessions at Bude
Last updated 15th Jul 2021
Families are being urged to sign their children up for vital water safety lessons in north Cornwall this summer.
Swim Safe is offering children aged 7-14 the opportunity to learn vital skills at the sea pool in Bude.
The free programme was created by Swim England and the RNLI and teaches young people to stay safe in and around open water and what to do if they, or someone else, gets into difficulty.
Now entering its eighth season, Bude was one of the original Swim Safe sites in 2013, the sessions will be run from a brand-new facility on Summerleaze beach with multiple sessions running each day from 3 August to 12 August.
It comes as a report released last month by Swim England estimated 1.8 million children have missed out on swimming participation throughout the 2020/21 academic year due to Covid restrictions.
Joel Ninnes, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support in the South West said:
‘We’re pleased to be able to partner with Swim England again and run free Swim Safe sessions this summer at a variety of coastal and inland locations around the UK, including Summerlease beach in Bude and Swanpool beach in Falmouth.
‘With Swim Safe sadly not running last year due to covid, and swimming pools shut for much of that time, we’re encouraging all children between the ages of 7 and 14 to get involved and to build confidence in and around the water while learning vital lifesaving skills.’
The sessions are around 45 minutes and are run by local volunteers with trained instructors.
To take part children do need to be able to swim 25 metres unaided.
The sessions include:
• Interactive water safety advice for parents and children
• Up to 20 minutes in-water tuition with qualified instructors
• Kit for swimming outdoors
Earlier this month a report by Swim England estimated 1.8 million children have missed out on swimming participation throughout the 2020/21 academic year due to Covid restrictions.
Ashley Jones, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Manager from Swim England said:
‘The new research has really highlighted the impact of Covid and how many children have missed out on swimming lessons during the pandemic.
‘Figures suggest that by the end of the 2020/21 academic year, 240,000 fewer children will be able to swim 25 metres compared to the previous academic year.
‘Given the last 12 months and with many choosing to stay local for summer breaks this year, it is even more important for youngsters to attend Swim Safe sessions, which provide crucial water safety advice.'
To find out more and book a place visit the Swim Safe website.