Norfolk children encouraged to learn open water safety skills at beach event
Swim sessions at Hunstanton focus on keeping kids safe in the sea
Children in Norfolk are being invited to Hunstanton this week to learn important open water safety skills.
The sessions, held by Alive Oasis, aim to teach children aged seven to fourteen about sea safety, including how to handle tides and riptides.
Participants will begin with training on the beach before heading into the sea for practical experience.
Organisers say having this experience will greatly improve knowledge, safety and skills, especially ahead of the summer holidays.
The sessions are brought together by Alive Oasis in collaboration with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and the RNLI. Who will be present at each event.
Dave Cleland, Centre Manager at Alive Oasis, said participants can expect:
"we will teach them all about the tide, riptides, who to call for, how to call, what to do and how to stay together in groups"
Dave explained the difference between safety in a swimming pool, compared to the sea. Noting that ahead of the summer holidays, understanding how to stay safe in both, is crucial.
"It's a completely different environment to a swimming pool. It can be windy, there can be waves, the depth of water changes. Its entirely different to a swimming pool, so it teaches them about real water safety and what to expect..
"it can be safe and fun, but it also can be very dangerous," Dave said.