Hundreds of Hartlepool schoolchildren have completed water safety training through the borough's annual Swim Safe initiative. Pupils from 19 schools participated in sessions at Seaton Carew, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's Active Hartlepool team in partnership with the RNLI and Swim England.
The scheme, now in its fifth year, is designed for children aged 7-14 and combines outdoor learning with hands-on experience. Each session lasted one hour and 15 minutes, beginning with educational activities on the beach before participants entered the water to build confidence and learn essential safety techniques from trained instructors.
Why Water Safety Matters in Hartlepool
As a coastal town, Hartlepool's proximity to the sea makes water safety training particularly important. The initiative aims to ensure local children can recognise potential dangers and respond appropriately if they find themselves in difficulty.
Organisers hope the impact will extend beyond the beach, with children encouraged to share what they have learned with friends and family.
Council Support
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."
He added: "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."