Harwich Haven Authority Funds Swim Safe Programme in Harwich for Sixth Consecutive Year

30 June 2025

 

Harwich Haven Authority is once again proud to sponsor the Swim Safe programme in Harwich, returning for its sixth year this July.  

Delivered in partnership with Swim England and local qualified swimming instructors, the free outdoor sessions aim to teach school-aged children essential skills to stay safe in, on, and around open water. 

Swim Safe Harwich is open to children aged 7 to 14 who can swim at least 25 metres unaided. The programme provides vital, potentially lifesaving knowledge – giving young people the confidence to enjoy the coast safely. 

Since first funding the initiative in 2019, Harwich Haven Authority has ensured local access to this important programme, which now forms a key part of the Authority’s wider sea safety work in the community. 

Sarah West, Chief Executive of Harwich Haven Authority said: 

“Making safety the standard is one of our core organisation values and we are committed to ensuring everyone who uses the Haven – from the world’s largest container ships to people enjoying a swim on a hot day – are safe in the water.”  

“As well as it being a key part of our role as a statutory harbour authority, by supporting Swim Safe for the sixth year running, we’re helping to prepare young people for the realities of swimming in open water. Since 2019, we estimate we’ve reached around 2500 local children, and we’re committed to seeing that number grow.” 

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

“With many families continuing to enjoy our beaches over the summer holidays, we encourage all eligible children to take advantage of this free opportunity. The Swim Safe programme allows children to apply the swimming and self-rescue skills they learn indoors in a real outdoor setting. That experience is crucial – especially when the incidence of fatal accidental drowning remains a significant risk.  

Thanks to Harwich Haven Authority’s continued funding of both school and public sessions, we’re able to bring this programme back to Harwich for another year, helping to educate and protect even more young lives.” 

Public sessions are now open for booking and take place at Dovercourt Bay Beach. Spaces are limited and demand is high, so early booking is advised.  

For more information or to book a session, visit: www.swimsafe.org.uk