Schoolchildren being taught life saving water safety skills over the summer holidays
The RNLI say around 190 people drown off our coastlines every single year.
Last updated 31st Jul 2018
Schoolchildren are being taught life-saving skills to stop themselves from drowning.
Youngsters are learning how to float by themselves - over the summer holidays - so they know what to do if they do get into difficulty in the water.
The RNLI say around 175 people drown off our coastlines every single year.
Children are being taught to "float to live" which involves them lying back, extending their arms and legs into a star shape and to keeping their chins up.
The RNLI say this technique has saved lives.
Our reporter Amy Scarisbrick has been to put it to the test for herself:
Swim Safe, the national programme created by Swim England and the RNLI, teaches children how to swim safely outdoors and what to do if they get into trouble.
Ben Philbin, Swim Safe coordinator says:
‘Children love swimming outdoors, but swimming in the sea, rivers or lakes is very different to swimming in a pool, where most children learn.
‘Swim Safe is a free, fun activity that teaches kids lifelong skills that will help them enjoy open water safely.
‘Parents and carers are welcome to stay during the session to find out more about making sure their children are safe at the beach and by the water.
‘Places are free to book at swimsafe.org.uk and children only need to bring their swim suit and a towel.’
For more information on the Float test and the RNLI's Respect the Water campaign - click here
Information on Swim Safe sessions can be found here