Surf skill training for children

12:50pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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Children from Cornish schools are to receive surf skills training and beach safety information from RNLI lifeguards as part of the charity's unique Hit the Surf programme.

The Hit the Surf initiative gives school children aged eight to 12 a unique and exciting opportunity to take part in a course combining theory and practical lessons in surf skills and beach safety.

RNLI lifeguards run the course on Fistral beach in Newquay, giving the children real examples of life-threatening situations and teaching them how to get out of trouble in and around the sea.

RNLI Beach Safety Programmes Manager, Kelly Keating, said: "Last year, surfing and bodyboarding accounted for nearly half of the major incidents RNLI lifeguards attended on UK beaches. Our Hit the Surf scheme aims to develop children's surf-based skills and make them more aware of beach safety. This is especially important for children in Cornwall, where they are surrounded by beaches. Experienced RNLI lifeguards will teach the youngsters crucial beach safety skills. The course is great fun, so the children are learning essential safety lessons and enjoying themselves at the same time."

"Half-day and full-day sessions are available and include safety talks, beach activities and surf skills advice. By the end of a session, the children should be able to recognise the red and yellow beach flags - and know what they mean, understand the role of a lifeguard, have improved confidence in the water and know what to do should they find themselves in trouble."

Since 2006, nearly 700 children have taken part in Cornwall. The first week of sessions will run 19 May-23 May, and is fully booked. There is another opportunity for schools to sign up between 8 to 19 September.

Hit the Surf complements the RNLI's beach safety campaign, which the charity runs throughout the summer months, urging beach-goers to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. As part of the campaign this year, the charity has published On The Beach, a new guide to beach safety.

The guide is available free-of-charge from beachsafety@rnli.org.uk or by calling 0800 328 0600. The RNLI's website, www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety also has practical advice and tips on staying safe. Those wishing to identify their nearest lifeguarded beach should visit www.goodbeachguide.co.uk.

Schools wanting further information on how to get involved with the Hit the Surf programme should contact the RNLI by emailing beachsafety@rnli.org.uk or calling 0800 328 0600.