Sefton Council is excited to introduce Merseyside’s first ever Swim Safe outdoor swimming sessions which are free-styling to Crosby Lakeside Activity Centre this summer.

Swim Safe offers free outdoor swimming and water safety sessions for children aged 7 to 14.

With 22 miles of coast in Sefton, it is so important for young people to understand the dangers of open water, and have the skills to stay safe in the water.

Targeting children who are already able to swim 25 metres unaided, the Swim Safe programme is delivered by trained instructors and teaches essential skills and builds on pre-existing swimming abilities.

Launched by Swim England and the RNLI, Swim Safe aims to ensure children have the right skills and mindset to ensure they don’t get into trouble in open water.

As well as opening up to the public, Swim Safe is also inviting schools across the borough to attend and make sure students are educated about water safety.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “In somewhere like Sefton where we have such a vast coast line, water safety is so important.

“Young people enjoy swimming outdoors, but swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes is very different to swimming in a pool.

“I’m delighted that Sefton is holding Merseyside’s first Swim Safe sessions and strongly urge parents and carers to book a place for their children.”

Swim Safe sessions will take place at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on July 21, July 22, July 28 and July 29. Places are limited, to book a place visit www.swimsafe.org.uk