950 children taught to swim safely

Tuesday 09 July 2019

More than 950 children across 28 schools have been taught how to swim safely in open water thanks to a free programme.

Thanks to Swim England, the RNLI, the Bosdet Foundation and Jersey Sport, the 'Swim Safe' programme this year returned for its fifth year.

The charities and swim safety bodies worked together to improve year five pupils’ swimming skills, and confidence in open water by providing free swim safely sessions.

The sessions, which were run by qualified lifeguards and instructors, took place across the island at various beaches between 21 June and 5 July. 

Pictured - left to right: Sam Lee, Sarah Militis, Stacey Hansford, Emma Sterry, Charlotte Francis (Swim Safe Area Coordinator), Alan Le Pavoux (Swim Safe Site Coordinator), Martine Le Guilcher (Swim Safe Site Coordinator).

In addition to improving swim safely skills, this year the programme provided important information concerning ocean advocacy, and respecting the water.

Working with Protect Blue, the children also learnt how they can look after the sea, and help keep beaches clean.

Charlotte Francis, Swim Safe Area Coordinator, explained: “We want to give children the skills to enjoy outdoor swimming safely.” 

She added: “Swimming in the sea is very different to swimming in a pool where most children learn and these fun sessions also provide advice on what to do should anything go wrong.”