The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) are bringing their free open water swimming programme for 7-14 year olds, Swim Safe, to the Island next week.

Offering the chance for young people to learn about the differences between swimming in an indoor pool and swimming in open water, Swim Safe is piloting on the Island for the first time between 4 – 7 August in Peel.

Each 40-minute session is completely free and includes beach safety advice by RNLI lifeguards at Peel Lifeboat Station and up to 30 minutes in-water tuition by ASA accredited swimming teachers at Fenella beach.

Jon Glenn, Head of Learn to Swim at the ASA, said: ‘Swimming in the sea is great fun, especially when you are on your summer holidays, but it is also a lot different to swimming in a pool.

‘Open water can be very unpredictable; even calm, shallow waters can quickly become dangerous, so it is essential that both children and parents know how to stay safe.’

Pip Hare, Coastal Safety Product Manager said: ‘We’re really excited to bring Swim Safe to Peel and have already had a fantastic amount of interest from families wanting to come along, with over 170 children already registered.

“Learning all about how to stay safe at the beach and in the sea is a vital skill and we’re hoping to reach over 8,000 children across all our Swim Safe locations this year, also including Bournemouth, South Shields, Jersey, Bude and Lake Windermere.

‘If your family can’t make it onto a Swim Safe session this summer, don’t forget the importance of swimming at a safe place and always closely supervising children in the water.’

Families can register by booking in advance via www.swimming.org/swimsafe.  Children must be able to swim at least 25 metres. Those who aren’t able to book on to the last few Swim Safe sessions can find out more about how to stay safe on the beach at www.rnli.org.uk/safety or register to receive a free family Beach Smart safety pack at www.beachsmart.org.uk.  The RNLI and ASA hope to expand the Swim Safe programme to offer more places in 2016.