Hitting the surf – safely!
RNLI TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO KEEP SAFE WHILE ENJOYING SEA
YOUNGSTERS from schools across Sunderland are learning valuable water safety lessons that could help save lives.
The RNLI has been at Seaburn beach as part of the regional ‘Hit the Surf’ water safety sessions for 8 to 11-year-old primary school pupils.
The programme offers a unique opportunity for school children and youth groups to get practical lessons in lifesaving and beach safety at one of the North East’s most beautiful beaches.
RNLI Lifeguard supervisor, Nick Campbell, said: “Each session lasts two and a half hours and includes a lesson on staying safe at the beach as well as explaining the role the RNLI and our lifeguards play.
“We talk about things like the importance of always swimming between the red and yellow flags, and what to do if you get into trouble.
“This is followed with a lifesaving lesson and the chance to learn surf based skills which help build the children’s confidence in the sea. Our charity’s lifeguards also teach them what hazards they need to watch out for at the beach. The idea is that they then take that advice home and share it with family and friends.”
St Benet’s Primary School is one of those taking involved.
Head teacher Ann Blakey said: “I am delighted that our pupils and others across the city are taking part in the RNLI sessions.
“Many of our children live near the sea so sessions like these are invaluable in teaching them very important skills for life.”
Among children from the school taking part were Isabella Shields, 10, and Isaac Taylor, 11.
Isabella said: “I think it’s very important to teach young people about water safety, I often come down to the beach.”
Isaac added: “These sessions are a great opportunity for people to learn more about keeping safe in and around water, and it was great to find out more about life-saving.”
The sessions are part of Sunderland’s annual water safety programme which has seen the RNLI joining forces with the city council and the Royal Lifesaving Society to promote water safety.
This has included water safety lessons in schools to more than 150,000 pupils since 1994.
Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for city services, Michael Mordey, said: “We’re delighted so many children are getting the opportunity to take part in the training.
“Sessions like these are a really good way of helping children to get a better understanding of how to stay safe around water.”
RNLI lifeguard Tom Ormston teaching Isaac Taylor, 11 and Isobella Shields, 10 from St Benet’s Primary School valuable and potentially lifesaving skills in a practical session on Seaburn beach