THERE are still fun and free swimming sessions available for children keen to make a splash this summer and learn how to stay safe when swimming outside.

The water safety sessions are being held at sites including Summerleaze, Bude, by the RNLI and Swim England. Swim Safe is a national programme that teaches children aged seven to 14 how to stay safe when swimming outdoors.

Swim Safe sessions are free, and take place at more than 20 coastal and inland locations across the UK and Ireland, including beaches, lakes, and reservoirs.

Swimming in an outdoor environment can often be more challenging than swimming in a pool.

You can still book for places on sessions at Bude on August 21, 22 and 23.

The hour-long Swim Safe sessions are run by qualified swimming teachers and qualified lifeguards, supported by a team of trained volunteers. The first 20 minutes covers land-based safety and then it is into the water for practical tuition with a swimming teacher.

Eilidh Maccormick has taken her son to every Swim Safe session in Bude.

She said: “Through the years Finlay has learned to enjoy his time on the beach more and more but always with a good level of caution, and has learned to identify when others may be putting themselves at risk. It is an amazing resource for families to support themselves in staying safe whilst having fun on the beach and in the sea.”

Wetsuits, swimming hats and a free goody bag with a t-shirt are all provided. Children must be able to swim at least 25 metres to take part.

Guy Botterill, Swim Safe project manager, RNLI, said: “Children love swimming outdoors, but swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes is more challenging than swimming in a pool, where most lessons take place. Thanks to Swim Safe, thousands of children will learn how to keep safe when swimming outdoors and know what to do if they get into trouble.

“Plenty of children have already been taking part in the sessions in Cornwall and having great fun. There are still free places available for children who want to take part at sites in Bude and Penzance and parents can book them a place via Swim Safe website.”

To book a free Swim Session, visit swimsafe.org.uk then share your experience using #SwimSafe and at Facebook.com/SwimSafeOutdoors

Swim Safe started in 2013 with just one site in Bude. Since then over 18,000 sessions have taken place across the UK. This year, the programme is bigger than ever with Swim Safe sessions at over 20 sites across the UK including beaches, lakes, reservoirs and other inland locations.