Groups of Pembrokeshire schoolchildren have learned vital sea and water safety lessons ahead of the summer holidays, thanks to a series of annual workshops funded by the Port of Milford Haven.
Over 500 Year 6 pupils from thirteen primary schools attended Swim Safe workshops during the last few weeks of term, to learn important and potentially lifesaving skills which they may not have had the opportunity to discover otherwise.
Delivered by Windswept CIC in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven, Swim Safe sessions were held at Dale and Gelliswick beaches on the Milford Haven Waterway.
During the workshops, children learned core skills to use if they ever find themselves in trouble in the water. Sessions comprised of games and activities to teach groups things like: which RNLI flags mean what at lifeguarded beaches, how to deal with tiredness or panic in the water, how to spot people in danger, and what to do if they find themselves in rip currents, among many other things.
Overall, children found the workshops engaging, useful and fun, and left the beach with a strong sense of achievement and an increased confidence in knowing what to do should the worst happen.
Though the school sessions have finished for the summer, Swim Safe workshops will be delivered to the public in Dale this Friday 25th July for World Drowning Prevention Day. There will also be representatives from key safety organisations including the Coastguard and RNLI, as well as stands and activities run by local businesses and organisations. Anyone who’s interested in learning how to stay safe in the water is encouraged to attend.
Emily Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Executive at the Port of Milford Haven said:
“The Port of Milford Haven is delighted at the success of the Swim Safe sessions, which are expertly led by Windswept and which reflect our number one priority – to ensure the Milford Haven Waterway is safe for everyone.
“Investing in young people’s futures by providing essential training is an excellent first step towards creating a safety-conscious mindset within the community.”
Sarah West, Director of Windswept CIC, said:
“The Port's support makes a huge difference. Schools don’t have the budget for Swim Safe sessions, and many parents don’t either. Thanks to this partnership, we can get the vital safety message out to more children every year, and the impact is huge.
“It’s lovely to reach those who wouldn’t otherwise connect with us, too. Doing a Swim Safe session as the first step can give kids the confidence to begin enjoying the outdoors, which is what our work is all about – not discouraging people from going into the water, but making sure they’re doing it safely.”
Samantha Bowen, a teacher at Milford Haven Community School, said the sessions for her class were:
“Extremely important, especially in this area. We're surrounded by water, and the hope is that as the children get older, they’ll spend a lot of time at the beach.
“Being in the sea is a whole different experience to swimming in a pool, so learning in a hands-on way in the sea is hugely valuable. When children get to experience things for themselves, it sticks with them a lot more than if an instructor stood and talked at them from the front of a classroom. But getting out there and doing it? That makes a big impression.”
Swim Safe sessions supported by the Port of Milford Haven are being held on Dale beach for World Drowning Prevention Day, this Friday 25th July. Book via Windswept CIC’s website, or come along to the village to meet safety organisations and learn more.