More than 100 additional children have enrolled in sea safety lessons on the Essex coast this year, according to Tendring District Council. The Swim Safe sessions, which teach water safety and survival tactics, have seen 422 children sign up, an increase from 309 last year.
The rise in participation follows four fatalities on the Essex coast this summer. These incidents include a family of three, a seven-year-old boy and his 15-year-old cousin among them, who died at West Mersea. Eight days later, a man also died after getting into difficulty at Frinton-on-Sea.
Allyce Clarke, SwimSafe coordinator in Clacton, highlighted the difference between pool and sea swimming, noting the impact of tides, currents, winds, and underwater rocks. Will Lodge, corporate communications manager at Tendring District Council, stated that teaching young people how to enjoy the sea safely is vital, with tragic incidents underlining the importance of education and prevention.