MÔN ACRIF, Anglesey County Council’s Leisure Service, has recently won the ‘School Swimming and Water Safety Impact Award’ for 2024.
The award was presented by Swim Wales, the National Governing Body for Aquatics, at their latest annual awards in Cardiff.
The prestigious award celebrates the impact of individuals and organisations that have contributed to water safety and swimming education.
Môn Actif was acknowledged for its success in organising a series of Swim Safe events across Anglesey; the latest of which saw over 500 local children learning essential water safety skills.
These engaging events included fun, interactive sessions, such as RNLI safety activities, paddleboarding, surfing, and both practical and theoretical Swim Safe training.
Funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund also enabled the appointment of a dedicated Swim Safe Officer on the Island. As a result, local school children have been given the opportunity to learn vital skills through free water safety activities.
Môn Actif Sports Development Manager, Barry Edwards, said: “This year’s Swim Safe events were a great success, helping to educate young people on Anglesey about the importance of water safety.”
He added: “The appointment of a dedicated Swim Safe Officer is a key step in ensuring our community remains well-informed and safe around our waters. We’re grateful to the local schools for their ongoing support, and it’s fantastic to see all Anglesey schools offering swimming lessons to their pupils.”
Môn Actif continues to deliver school swimming lessons to over 40 schools on the island, aiming to ensure that every Key Stage 2 pupil on Anglesey is given the opportunity to learn to swim.
Councillor Neville Evans, Anglesey’s Leisure, Tourism, and Maritime Portfolio Holder, added: “Anglesey boasts an incredible 140-miles of coastline, so it’s vitally important that our children are aware of the importance of water safety.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, and I’m delighted the County Council, together with its partners, is playing an important role in improving water safety knowledge.”
Hanna Guise, National Learn to Swim Manager at Swim Wales, explained: “Swim Wales and Water Safety Wales believe every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe in the water.
“With drowning being the second leading cause of accidental death in children in Wales, it’s crucial to engage young people through hands-on experiences. It’s wonderful to see Swim Safe Cymru being delivered effectively on Anglesey.”
Thanks to effective collaboration with key partners, including the RNLI, Swim Safe Cymru, Swim Wales, Anglesey AONB, Pellennig, Menter Môn, Gecko, and Edsential, a range of sessions has been held in Anglesey leisure centres, beaches, and the Menai Straits.
Môn Actif is planning further sessions and activities during school holidays, with new Swim Safe activities also scheduled for Summer 2025. These initiatives will further strengthen the commitment to keeping children and young people safe in and around water.
