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Swim Safe: Saving lives and breaking barriers  

The RYA has joined forces with the RNLI and Swim England to add thousands of extra spaces to their free swimming programme, Swim Safe.  

 

Swim Safe teaches 7–14-year-olds how to stay safe in and around open water. Since it was established in 2013, Swim Safe has taught over 175,000 children vital lifesaving skills.

Starting with 15 RYA recognised training centres, additional Swim Safe sessions will now be run through RYA OnBoard, an initiative that introduces young people across the UK to sailing and windsurfing.  

Breaking down barriers 

“We’re delighted to partner with Swim Safe. Not only does the programme save lives at sea but it helps to build water confidence, which we know is a barrier faced by many young people across the UK” explains Hannah Cockle, RYA OnBoard Manager. 

“We know there are many children that don’t have access to swimming. For those children who do swim in pools, there are key differences when it comes to swimming outdoors including the weather, water temperature and currents. 

“It can also be very daunting for young people to start sailing if they don’t feel confident in the water at the beginning. They’ve probably never worn a buoyancy aid before, and they may not understand that these will keep you afloat”. 

Swimsafe teaching

Reducing the number of incidents 

At this time of year and as the schools break up, the RNLI are likely to see an increase in lifeguard rescues for under 18s. 

Last summer, RNLI lifeguards saved the lives of 34 children and teenagers and assisted another 7,777.  

James Woodhouse of the RNLI’s Water Safety team said: ‘‘By educating about water safety through the Swim Safe programme from a young age, together we can help reduce the number of incidents involving open water."

The Andrew Simpson Centre in Portsmouth are one of the first OnBoard centres to offer Swim Safe.  

Sam Weeks, Sales and Marketing Officer said: “SwimSafe is a fantastic programme to be able to offer at our centre, teaching young people in our island city invaluable life skills. We want as many local children as possible to enjoy our activities so learning things such as ‘where’s safe to swim’ and ‘what to do if you fall in’ is really valuable”. 

Float to live 

Kids floating in the water

 

Float to live is a simple technique where you tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can – this technique is proven to save lives.

The RNLI’s key water safety advice for 7-14 year-olds is: 

  • Stop and think – Always swim in a safe place. 
  • Stay together – Always swim with an adult, younger children should always be within arms reach. 
  • Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. 
  • Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. 
  • Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard. 

Discover more information about Swim Safe and how to get involved. 

Find out more about how young people can get started in sailing and windsurfing through RYA OnBoard.