Harwich Haven Authority continue their commitment to the Harwich Swim Safe programme

29 July 2022

Harwich Haven Authority is once again partnering with Swim England and the RNLI to fund the delivery of a Swim Safety programme in Dovercourt Bay during July and August.

The free Swim Safe sessions are focused on teaching school-aged children, how to stay safe and what to do if they get into difficulties in, on, and around open water.  Everyone between the ages of 7 and 14 years old, who can swim 25 metres unaided, is welcome to take part.

Tendring Water Safety Forum member, Harwich Haven Authority, support of the Dovercourt Swim Safe programme will ensure that children have access to this invaluable experience either through their school or via public sessions.

Tendring District Council is also funding a Swim Safe programme in Clacton, which will run during August.

“This is the third year that we have funded the Swim Safe programme in Dovercourt Bay and over that time we estimate that nearly 1,500 children have attended a session,“ says Neil Glendinning, Chief Executive, Harwich Haven Authority.

“As the East of England’s largest trust port our organisational remit is to ensure safety of all users of the Haven’s waters  from the largest vessels afloat to individual members of our community enjoying a dip.. The Swim Safe programme very much aligns to our remit and we believe that it’s vital that young people understand the dangers of being in and around open water.

“Unfortunately, through the recent heatwave more young people have lost their lives while swimming in open water, so it’s even more important than ever that children take advantage of these free sessions.

“I am convinced the work Swim England and the RNLI are doing to educate young people through this programme is vitally important and will ultimately save lives. ”

Ashley Jones, Swim England’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Manager, commented:

“The Covid pandemic impacted children greatly and research suggests that during the 2020-21 academic year, 240,000 fewer children were able to swim 25 metres compared to the previous academic years.

“With many families still choosing to stay local for summer breaks, it is even more important for youngsters to attend Swim Safe sessions, which provide crucial water safety advice.

“We are immensely grateful to Harwich Haven Authority for funding the 2022 Swim Safe programme in Dovercourt.”

The public Swim Safe sessions are now available to book.

For further information about this news release contact Fiona Brunning, Corporate Affairs Manager, Harwich Haven Authority on 01255 243030 or 07425 632090 – [email protected]

All images should be credited to: Harwich Haven Authority.