Bookings are now open for Swim Safe, the FREE programme of outdoor swimming and water safety sessions for children, which will be returning to the Isle of Man this summer. Swim Safe sessions will take place between 8–12 August at Fenella Beach and Peel Lifeboat Station.
The return of the sessions follow a successful pilot on the Isle of Man last year which saw 180 children learn how to stay safe in or near open water with spaces filling up well in advance. Practical, interactive, educational and fun, each session includes a land-based safety lesson with a lifeguard, followed by in-water tuition with a swimming teacher. Wetsuits, swimming hats and a free goody bag with t-shirt are all provided.
Delivered in partnership between the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) and the RNLI charity (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Swim Safe is perfect for families enjoying the beach this summer holiday.
Last year RNLI lifeboat crew members on the Isle of Man launched 47 times to people in trouble at sea, rescuing 52 people. It’s important to remember that being in and around the sea is a very different environment to that of an indoor swimming pool.
Krystina Searle, Swim Safe Coordinator for the programme in Peel said: ‘There are all sorts of environmental factors to consider when you’re swimming outdoors, and it’s important that children know how to call for help if they get into trouble.
‘We’re really looking forward to bringing Swim Safe back to Peel this year. We’ve got enough spaces for a total of 360 young people to come and learn some really important life skills and we would love to fill all those spaces.’
Donna Crowe, whose son William took part in a session last year said: ‘My son absolutely loved his Swim Safe session with his class summer. Not only did it teach him some important skills, but he also had a fantastic time and felt feeling confident in the water with the Swim Safe teachers.’
‘We’ll be booking on again this year and I’d recommend any parent thinking of spending time at the beach this summer to register their child for a free session.’
Swim Safe is a growing programme which is taking place at several other locations across England and Wales this summer including Bude, South Shields, Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre, Barry Island, Penzance, Poole, Scarborough, Jersey, the Isles of Scilly, the Lake District and two locations in Plymouth.
Parents can book their children onto a Swim Safe session now at www.Swimming.org/SwimSafe or simply come along on the day.
Photo - Children enjoying the sessions in Peel last year. Credit Mike Howland.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
