Hundreds of Hartlepool schoolchildren are now better equipped to stay safe in and around water thanks to the continued success of the borough’s annual Swim Safe initiative.
Organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Active Hartlepool team, together with the RNLI and Swim England, the scheme has been delivering water safety training for five years.
Designed for children aged 7-14, it offers a unique blend of fun, outdoor learning and hands-on experience.
This year’s sessions took place at Seaton Carew, with pupils from 19 schools participating. Each session, lasting one hour and 15 minutes, began with engaging educational activities on the beach before participants took to the water to build confidence and learn essential safety techniques from trained instructors.
Pupils at a Swim Safe session
As a coastal town, Hartlepool’s strong connection to the sea makes water safety especially important. Swim Safe plays a key role in ensuring that local children understand how to recognise potential dangers and respond appropriately if they find themselves in difficulty.
Importantly, organisers hope the impact will ripple beyond the beach, with children encouraged to share what they’ve learned with friends and family.
Councillor Aaron Roy, Vice-Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “Swim Safe is a fantastic example of partnership working that is making a real difference to young people in our town. Living by the coast brings many opportunities, but also responsibilities, and it is vital that children understand how to stay safe in and around water.
“We are proud to support this initiative, which not only builds confidence but equips children with life-saving knowledge and skills that they can carry with them for years to come.
“I’d like to thank the participating schools for their support, and all of the children were fantastic. Their willingness to engage, learn and support one another was brilliant to see – they were a real credit to their schools and parents.”