Young swimmers in Peel took part in the launch of the British Isles-wide Swim Safe campaign yesterday (Wednesday) at Fenella Beach.
And the campaign has been praised by one Peel mother who has revealedhow it helped her son when he got into trouble .
Swim Safe, which is delivered in partnership between the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and RNLI, aims to teach children how to stay safe in or near open water.
Since it began in Cornwall in 2013 it has taught 12,000 across the British Isles.
Donna Crowe from Peel said that her son William took part in last year’s Swim Safe event and the experience has proved invaluable.
He got into difficulty while swimming at Fenella beach six weeks ago. He was hit by a wave and forced underwater but managed to make it back to the beach. 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 at sea”. This really helped him.
‘William has had swimming lessons in the pool but what happened to him shows the sea 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 hats are provided, and there is a free goody bag containing a T-shirt for every child.
Krystina Wheeldon, Swim Safe co-ordinator for the programme in Peel, said: ‘There are all sorts of environmental factors to consider when you’re swimming outdoors, and it’s important children know how to call for help if they get into trouble.’
The sessions continue today and tomorrow, from 10.30am to 6pm at Fenella Beach.
For more on the sessions contact Mal Kelly at Peel RNLI on 842731 or 490251.