Children aged 7–14 on the Isle of Wight will be able to learn vital water safety skills for free, as Swim England and the RNLI’s Swim Safe programme returns to Sandown on weekdays from 29th July until 16th August.
The fun, hour-long sessions teach young people how to swim safely outdoors and what to do if they, or someone else, get into difficulty in the water.
Swim England and the RNLI have again partnered with the Isle of Wight RNLI Lifeboat Board and the Isle of Wight Council to run Swim Safe at Culver Parade, Sandown.
Parents and carers can book their child’s free place now by going to www.swimsafe.org.uk and choosing the location: Isle of Wight Sandown. Children must be aged between 7 and 14 and able to swim 25 metres unaided to take part.
The sessions are run by qualified swimming instructors and lifeguards, supported by a team of volunteers. They include:
- Open water safety advice provided on land
- Up to 30 minutes of practical, in-water tuition with qualified instructors
- A free Swim Safe key-ring, certificate and swim hat to take home
All the kit to take part, including wetsuits, swim hats and flotation equipment, is provided for the sessions. Children only need to bring their swim suit and a towel.
Roger Matthews, partnership co-ordinator for the Isle of Wight RNLI Lifeboat Board says:
“Children love swimming outdoors, but it’s very different to swimming in a pool, where most children learn to swim.
Article continues below this advertisement “It’s essential that children learn where it is safe to swim, how to stay safe and what to do if they get into trouble.
“We want all children to have access to this training, so all Swim Safe sessions are free.
“In 2018 the Isle of Wight RNLI Lifeboat Board achieved a strategic ambition to bring Swim Safe to the Island. Over 1,600 children attended, including nearly 500 Island schoolchildren through dedicated sessions co-ordinated through the IOW Council’s Sports Development Officer. In its first year, Isle of Wight Sandown gained the ‘Best Overall Site’ Award”.
For more information about Swim Safe, visit swimsafe.org.uk.
