A SPECIAL swim safety programme is taking place this summer to ensure young people stay safe in Dovercourt.

Harwich Haven Authority is once again partnering with Swim England and Harwich RNLI to deliver the programme in Dovercourt Bay.

The free sessions are focused on teaching school-aged children, how to stay safe and what to do if they get into difficulties in, on, and around open water.

Neil Glendinning, chief executive at Harwich Haven Authority, said: “As the East of England’s largest trust port our organisational remit is to ensure the safety of all users of the Haven’s waters from the largest vessels afloat to individual members of our community enjoying a dip.

“The Swim Safe programme very much aligns to our remit and we believe that it’s vital that young people understand the dangers of being in and around open water.”

Everyone between the ages of 7 and 14 years old, who can swim 25 metres unaided, is welcome to take part.

Tendring Water Safety Forum member, Harwich Haven Authority, support of the Dovercourt Swim Safe programme will ensure that children have access to this invaluable experience either through their school or via public sessions.

Tendring Council is also funding a Swim Safe programme in Clacton, which will run during August.

Mr Glendinning added: “Unfortunately, through the recent heatwave more young people have lost their lives while swimming in open water, so it’s even more important than ever that children take advantage of these free sessions.

“I am convinced the work Swim England and the RNLI are doing to educate young people through this programme is vitally important and will ultimately save lives”

Ashley Jones, water safety and drowning prevention manager at Swim England, said: “With many families still choosing to stay local for summer breaks, it is even more important for youngsters to attend Swim Safe sessions, which provide crucial water safety advice.

“We are immensely grateful to Harwich Haven Authority for funding the 2022 Swim Safe programme in Dovercourt.”

The swim safe sessions are now available to book by visiting bit.ly/3zQ8Rwk.