Swim Safe helping Jersey children avoid the dangers of open water
All Year 5 pupils in Jersey schools are being offered free outdoor swimming and water safety sessions as part of the Swim Safe campaign.
The scheme is being delivered in Jersey this month, thanks to a partnership between Swim England, the RNLI, the Bosdet Foundation and Jersey Sport. Swim Safe teaches young people how to stay safe in and around the open water, and what to do if they get into trouble.
'Living in an island it’s extremely important that local children know the dangers of the sea and how to enjoy swimming outdoors safely," said Martine Le Guilcher, Jersey Sport’s Swimming Development Officer. It’s great to be able to bring these sessions to Jersey and they can only benefit the pupils in the long term.'
More than 850 pupils from 24 Jersey schools are being given the training this summer during school time by qualified Swim Safe instructors and beach lifeguards
'Children love swimming outdoors, but swimming in the sea, rivers or lakes is very different to swimming in a pool, where most people learn,' added Charlotte Francis, Swim Safe Area Coordinator. 'We want all children to have access to this training, so all Swim Safe sessions are free. Our school sessions are a great opportunity for children to learn lifelong skills that will help them enjoy the open water safely'.
Alan Le Pavoux, Charity Manager at the Bosdet Foundation, said: 'This is the fourth year that the Bosdet Foundation and Les Ormes have been supporting Swim Safe. We are very excited to be joined by Jersey Sport to help deliver to all Year 5 pupils across the island.
'Working in partnership with the RNLI and Swim England helps to ensure that our children get the correct messages on how to stay safe in and around water. Our programme is one of the biggest, reaching nearly 90% of Year 5 pupils and it is attended by specialist school, Mont à L'Abbé, so it really is all inclusive. We are hopeful that with such a strong partnership we will see Swim Safe grow over the next few years'.
Public Swim Safe sessions will also be taking place at the RNLI Beachguard Unit at Silver Sands Aberdour from Sunday 29 July - Monday 13 August and are open to children aged 7-14. To take part they must be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres and a parent or guardian must be present throughout the session. To book a session go to our Swim Safe website.
During the 60 minute session, which is run by qualified lifeguards and instructors, children will be given beach safety advice and receive up to 30 minutes in-water tuition from qualified instructors.
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Notes to Editors
For further information please contact Jersey Sport marketing and communications officer Tim Pryor on 07797 769 560 or via email on [email protected]
Alternatively, the RNLI Regional Media Officer is Paul Dunt – 07785 296252 or [email protected]
Jersey Sport is the not-for-profit, independent body tasked with developing sport and physical activity in the island.
Please find attached some photos from one of the sessions in the marine lake, with Elizabeth Castle as the backdrop.
About Swim Safe
Swim Safe was created by Swim England and the RNLI in 2013 to help children aged 7–14 stay safe while enjoying swimming outdoors.
From with a single scheme in Cornwall, Swim Safe has grown into a national programme spanning the UK. More than 13,000 children took part in a Swim Safe session at 20 locations in 2017.
This summer, Swim Safe is coming to 29 venues across England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It is being delivered in partnership with Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales, alongside a range of local delivery partners.
Swim Safe’s goal is for all children in the UK and Ireland to grow up with the skills to stay safe in and around the open water. Find out more at swimsafe.org.uk
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.