More than 300 children are swapping the swimming pool for the sea this week as part of an outdoor safe swimming scheme in Peel.
Swim Safe, which is delivered in partnership between the ASA and the RNLI charity, has returned to Fenella Beach for the second year. Starting on Monday (8 August) and running until Friday (12 August), every day will see dozens of children aged between seven and 14 take part in one of four free outdoor water safety sessions.
The return of Swim Safe to Peel follows a successful pilot on the Isle of Man last year which saw 180 children learn how to stay safe in or near open water. This year capacity was extended and more than 350 youngsters will be learning vital safety techniques and how to call for help if they get into difficulty in the sea.
Among those who know first-hand the importance of sea safety is Donna Crowe, of Peel, whose son William, 12, took part in Swim Safe on the Island last summer.
Donna said some of the advice her son was given during the session helped him six weeks ago when he got into difficulty while swimming at Fenella Beach. With an offshore wind blowing, William realised he was in trouble and was finding it difficult to return to shore. He was hit by a wave and was forced underwater, but he managed to make it back to the beach. Despite being cold and shaken, William was fine.
Donna said: ‘He doesn’t know exactly how he managed to get back to the beach after being forced underwater, but he said he remembered the advice given in Swim Safe lessons last year: Stay calm and don’t panic if you get into trouble in the sea. This really helped him.
‘William has had swimming lessons in the pool but what happened to him shows the sea is totally different and brings its own risks.
‘I am really glad William did Swim Safe and I think it’s great that hundreds more children will be learning how to keep safe in the sea this week.’
The Swim Safe sessions include a land-based safety lesson with RNLI lifeguards and in-water tuition with ASA qualified swimming teachers. Wetsuits and swimming hats are provided, and there will be a free goody bag with a t-shirt for every child.
Krystina Wheeldon, 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.
‘After the programme’s success last year it’s great to see even more children learning how to stay safe in the open water this year - and having a great time too.’
Since it began in Bude, Cornwall, in 2013, Swim Safe has taught over 12,000 children across the UK.
Sarah Porter, Swim Safe Delivery Manager, said: ‘The five points we want children to remember when in open water are to choose a safe place to swim – at a lifeguarded beach between red and yellow flags, to know who can help (teachers and lifeguards), the importance of being supervised and not swimming alone, the effects cold water will have on their ability to swim and to know how to call for help.
‘The sea can be an unpredictable place, so we want as many people as possible to be wary of any danger, so that they can stay safe at the seaside or wherever they choose to have fun in the water.’
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