For the summer holiday season, Waveney Surf Life Saving Club have teamed up with the holiday lettings firm Suffolk Secrets, to provide a series of free Junior Lifeguard camps at Southwold beach, supported by the RNLI.

Since the start of this summer’s heatwave, eight people have lost their lives in the UK, tragically highlighting the dangers of swimming in open water.

Children aged 7-14 (who are able to swim 50m unaided) will be given the chance to become a Junior Lifeguard for the morning.

Based on Surf Life Saving GBs programme, ‘Surf Cadet’ which gives children the tools and knowledge to be safer by the sea, these 1½ hour sessions get the participants paddling rescue boards, body surfing, Beach Flag’ a fast-paced surf lifesaving sport game and learning about rip currents, waves, floating and how to stay safe whilst in and around water.

On average, around 190 people drown on our coasts per year in the UK, something the RNLI want to change. By joining other partners such as Waveney Surf Lifesaving Club and Suffolk Secrets; the RNLI’s core messages can be spread to a much wider audience.

“Many of the children who holiday with us not are regular beach-goers and can be unaware of the potential dangers of the sea,” says Sally Owen, brand marketing manager for Suffolk Secrets. “We want to ensure that all our guests enjoy their time in Suffolk and stay safe at the seaside.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Waveney Surf Life Saving Club to get this important message across to our guests and the local community. I’m sure it’s going to be great fun for everyone involved.”

Nick Ayers, training officer for Waveney Surf Life Saving Club and RNLI Community Safety Partner North & East will be leading these fun-filled events together with other qualified Waveney SLSC members.

“It’s a great local partnership that has been established here in the coastal town of Southwold, with local business linking up with a local lifesaving club to promote water safety,” added Nick.

The sessions will take place on Southwold Beach near the South Lifeguard Station at approximately 10.30am on Monday August 13, Wednesday August 15, Monday August 20 and Wednesday August 22nd. There are 12 places are available at each session and must be booked in advance.

For more information or to reserve a place at one of the Junior Lifeguard camps visit www.suffolk-secrets.co.uk/lifeguard.