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 Jubilee Pool in Penzance on Wednesday, August 23 and 30, 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.

Sam Gazzard, who took her sons Olly and Alfie along to a free Swim Safe session at in Penzance, said: "I was keen for our eldest two boys to do the RNLI course as we go to the beach lots. The boys love to surf and body board and I thought any extra safety courses would be helpful.

"I trained as a beach lifeguard many years ago and think it is really important, for kids especially, to keep an eye on tides and know exactly what they should be doing in an emergency. They would both love to do another course again if RNLI put another one on."

During the summer holidays hundreds of children across the country have been taking part in the sessions and there are still a few free places waiting to be snapped up. Alfie said: "I thought the course was really interesting and I learnt how to do the survival stroke. I was pleased to get a t shirt and lots of other free goodies too."

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. 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 on the Swim Safe website."

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