Kids in Bridlington learn how to stay safe at sea

It comes as there has been a number of water deaths recently

Left: Donna Lakeland, Right: Leon Lakeland
Author: Rebecca QuarmbyPublished 19th Aug 2022

Young people in Bridlington have been learning what to do if they get into difficulty at sea.

The Swim Safe programme is teaching kids at Bridlington South Beach this week how to stay afloat and keep warm to avoid cold water shock.

Donna Lakeland set up the Andrew McGeown legacy after her brother got into difficulty and died in the water six years ago. The sessions have been delivered by the organisation. She said:

"There's a lot of kids that don't know what to do and who to ask for if they get into difficulty. Some of them don't know what the flags mean on the beach. The sea is very cold and they don't realise they can get cold water shock when it's actually up to their neck."

Her 13 year old son Leon Lakeland has joined in with the lessons every year for the past six years, he said:

"If you get into difficulty, the best thing you can do is float to live so float on your back for 90 seconds until the cold water shock goes or if you get into difficulty whilst you're swimming - raise your hand and shout for help"

Swim Safe is open to children aged 7-14 and is run by qualified lifeguards and instructors. These children have learnt a lot.

"I learnt if you're stuck with some friends, huddle up, someone puts their hands up then we shout for help."

To find out more information on the sessions you can visit the Swim Safe website. Sessions will continue until Friday at South Beach near to the RNLI station at Bridlington.

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