HARWICH Haven Authority will once again partner with Swim England and local swimming instructors to deliver a Sea Safety programme in Harwich this month
The free Swim Safe sessions are focused on teaching school-aged children how to stay safe and what to do if they get into difficulties in, on or around open water.
Anyone between the ages of seven and 14 years old, who can also swim 25m unaided, is encouraged to take part
Harwich Haven Authority has funded the area’s Swim Safe programme since 2019 to ensure children have access to the “invaluable and potentially lifesaving opportunity”.
Sarah West, chief executive at the Harwich Haven Authority, said: “We are committed to delivering the Swim Safe programme and since we started funding the programme in 2019, we estimate that more than 2,000 children have benefitted.
“As one of the UK’s largest trust ports, and the statutory harbour authority for the area, our core remit is to ensure safety of navigation for vessels within our area of jurisdiction.
"Therefore, sea safety and teaching young people to be safe in open water very much aligns to that remit.
Ms West added: “With many people still choosing to holiday at home we expect local beaches to be busy during the school holidays, so I very much hope that local families will take advantage of the Free Swim Safe sessions.
Ashley Jones, Swim England’s water safety and drowning prevention manager, said: “New research, published by Swim England in December 2023, shows that the number of younger primary school children who can swim 25 metres unaided is on the rise for the first time since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is very positive news indeed and the Swim Safe sessions provides young children with additional and vital water safety advice."
Mr Jones added: “We are immensely grateful to Harwich Haven Authority for their continued support and for once again funding the 2024 Swim Safe programme in Harwich.”
Places are limited and can be booked at swimsafe.org.uk/locations/harwich#results.
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