SOUTH AND WEST WALES children will be joining RNLI lifeguards on the beach this week as they take part in the charity’s Hit the Surf safety programme.
Primary school children in Pembrokeshire and the Vale of Glamorgan will swap the classroom for the beach this week as the RNLI’s Hit the Surf team arrive at Tenby South and Whitmore Bay. The RNLI Hit the Surf team will be teaching local children, aged between 8 and 12, vital beach safety tips and skills to help them stay safe on the beach this summer. Two sessions are held each day on the beaches as local children are taught the meaning of beach flags, rip currents and the dangers of tombstoning. However the highlight of each session for the kids is the chance to don their wetsuits and learn basic board skills in the sea. Elin Jones, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said: ‘RNLI Hit the Surf is a fun and interactive programme which teaches kids vital tips and skills to help them stay safe on the beach over the summer. ‘Last year thousands of families chose to enjoy their free time in the sun and out on the beach throughout the summer holidays. The beach is a great day out for all the family, but by teaching kids the meaning of beach flags, the dangers of tombstoning and other beach safety tips, hopefully this will add to their beach experience and help them avoid any possible dangers out on the coast.’ The RNLI educational programme covers topics such as the role of a lifeguard, key beach hazards, the meaning of beach safety flags and what to do if you find yourself in trouble in the water. The RNLI team held a week of Hit the Surf sessions at Tenby South beach before the school half term and will continue the sessions this week. Over the next five weeks the RNLI lifeguards will be visiting beaches across South and West Wales. Hit the Surf will be held at Tenby South, Whitesands, Newport, Poppit, New Quay and Aberystwyth in West Wales, as well as Aberavon and Whitmore Bay in South Wales as they aim to complete the Welsh tour before the schools summer holidays.
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