More than 60 Sidmouth children learnt about recognising the dangers while swimming in the sea and what to do if they get into trouble, readying them for a safe summer.
Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club, with the support of the town council, held a special water safety workshop for Sidmouth Primary School youngsters last week.
The year three and four pupils took part in a two-hour session which covered where it was safe to swim and understanding and recognising dangers when taking part in ocean activities.
The session also covered techniques for getting out of trouble, if caught in a rip tide, as well as practical skills for helping others in trouble.
The children undertook simulated rescue board and tube rescue exercises, which could help them keep both themselves and other people safe.
Dave Manley, Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club’s chairman, said: “In just two hours you can provide these children with enough knowledge and skills that they could save their own life or those of a friend, family or member of the public.
“While Sidmouth is a very safe beach, these children may go on holiday to surf locations, for example Cornwall, where the dangers of rip tides are more prevalent.
“Holding these sessions just before the schools break up means the information is fresh in the minds of the children, just as they head off to enjoy the seaside for the summer holidays.”
Dave said he wanted to thank Sidmouth Town Council for their support of the project, which is now an annual event.
Teacher Sam Weir, of Sidmouth Primary School, said: “Sidmouth Primary and all the children in year three and four would like to thank Sidmouth Surf Lifesaving Club, Dave Manley and Sidmouth Town Council for providing them with a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, while having fun in the water and also learning about the potential risks and hazards when in the sea.”
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