Families are being encouraged to book free Swim Safe sessions this summer, helping children learn how to enjoy open water safely on the Essex Sunshine Coast.

The national programme, created by Swim England and the RNLI, gives children aged seven to 14 practical water safety advice and in-water tuition at outdoor locations, teaching them how swimming in the sea differs from swimming in a pool and what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is once again supporting Swim Safe in Clacton, while Harwich Haven Authority is funding sessions in Harwich. TDC also provides swimming teachers and Beach Patrol lifeguards to help deliver the sessions locally.

Public sessions will be held in Clacton on selected dates between 27 July and 7 August, with sessions in Harwich running until 3 August. Places can be booked online at swimsafe.org.uk.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting Swim Safe again this summer, because it gives young people practical, confidence-building skills that can make a real difference when they are enjoying the coast.

“Our beaches are fantastic places for families to visit, but the sea is very different from a swimming pool and it is important children understand how to stay safe, recognise hazards and know what to do if something goes wrong.

“Swim Safe is a brilliant example of partnership working through the Tendring Water Safety Forum, alongside the wider work of our Beach Patrol teams, the RNLI, Swim England and local partners to help people respect the water and enjoy our coastline safely.

“I would encourage parents and carers to book a place while sessions are available. They are free, fun and could help children learn skills they remember for life.”

Each Swim Safe session lasts around an hour and includes land-based safety advice and up to 30 minutes of in-water tuition with qualified instructors. Children taking part must be able to swim 25 metres unaided, and a parent, guardian or responsible adult must remain present throughout the session.

Beach Patrol teams will also be on duty in Clacton, Frinton and Walton during the school summer holidays, with Seafront Wardens supporting Dovercourt and Brightlingsea.

Anyone visiting the coast is reminded to follow beach safety advice, pay attention to flags and signage, avoid swimming near piers, groynes and rocks, and never enter the water under the influence of alcohol. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.