RYA join RNLI and Swim England to offer thousands more Swim Safe sessions to children

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

The sessions teach 7–14-year-olds how to stay safe in and around open water with more than 175,000 children having been taught vital lifesaving skills since Swim Safe was established in 2013.

Breaking down barriers

Starting with 15 RYA recognised training centres, these additional sessions will help to deliver lifesaving skills through the RYA’s OnBoard programme which introduces young people to sailing and windsurfing across the UK.

'We’re delighted to be involved with Swim Safe and to see clubs and centres delivering these sessions to youngsters as part of sailing and windsurfing lessons. Not only does Swim Safe 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' said RYA OnBoard Manager, Hannah Cockle.

Ashley Jones, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Manager for Swim England added: ‘We’re pleased to welcome the RYA onboard with their offer of delivering Swim Safe as part of their water-based activities. It is great to know that many more children will learn vital lifesaving skills as part of their booked courses through the RYA'.

“Together we can help reduce the number of incidents”

RNLI lifeguards saved the lives of 34 children and teenagers aged 7 to 14 last summer and assisted another 7,777. 

James Woodhouse of the RNLI’s Water Safety team said: ‘Statistics show that children and teenagers accounted for over half of those needing assistance by RNLI lifeguards on our beaches in the summer months last year.

‘By educating them about water safety through the Swim Safe programme from a young age, together we can help reduce the number of incidents involving open 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.’

Float to Live

August last year off the coast of Pembrey, South Wales, nine-year old Dexter was saved by using the Float technique.Dexter was rescued by Burry Port RNLI after he found himself in difficulty and out of his depth. Thankfully, a passer-by, 12-year-old Theo, whose family are part of the local RNLI lifeboat crew, spotted Dexter in trouble and knew exactly what to do. He shouted to Dexter to Float on his back and stay calm until the RNLI arrived to rescue him.

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.

Read 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.