CHILDREN can enjoy a free one-hour Swim Safe session in the sea.

While many children learn to swim, it is almost always in the warm and predictable environment of a swimming pool.

The sea is different, and each year there are avoidable accidents and tragedies in the water.

Swim Safe offers an hour-long session for children aged between seven and 14 years who can already swim 25 metres unaided.

For a second year, Sandown beach will host the sessions on weekdays from July 29 to August 16.

Swim England, the national governing body, and the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, have come together to organise the opportunity.

Trained and accredited Swim Safe swimming teachers and lifeguards will offer fun activities and essential safety advice on the beach.

Swim hats and wetsuits will be provided, so all children need bring are a swimming costume and towel.

Each participant will leave with their Swim Safe swim hat, keyring and certificate.

Last year, the IW was awarded best overall site out of the 27 national Swim Safe locations, with more than 1,400 children attending.

Book at www.swimsafe.org.uk using the location 'Isle of Wight Sandown'.

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