The Swim England project, Swim Safe, is looking forward to a new year.

The scheme made a very successful return to Bude last August.

The funding was raised through the hard work and determination of a small band of volunteers, running quizzes and auctions combined with some very generous donations from members of the public in Bude and Holsworthy. Almost 500 children and parents took part in eight days of Swim Safe sessions, some held in the most miserable weather Bude suffered last ‘summer’.

The plans for August 2020 are not only to increase the number of days and sessions, but also include raising the funds to purchase the equipment required to add some permanency to Swim Safe in Bude for the future.

Site co-ordinator, Bill Williams said: “We currently have to rely on the availability of the equipment being shared between Swim Safe sites in Cornwall and South Devon when determining the dates we are able to hold the project. This adds extra cost and work for those involved in the delivery.

“If our team in Bude are able to obtain our own equipment we can run Swim Safe as and when our volunteers, teachers and lifeguards are available. We may even be able to run sessions for schools and during the half term holidays either side of the summer break.”

Funding for 2020 is going well, with plenty of local support.

This was triggered by a letter and support from Mark Hibberd at Bude Tourist Information Centre office.

Bill continued: “We are also holding what we hope will become an annual event, a Spring Ball, supported this year by Pro-law Services of Bude, at The Falcon Hotel on Saturday, April 25.

“The ball includes a lovely buffet, live entertainment from Matthew Quinn from London’s West End shows Saturday Night Fever and Dreamboats and Petticoats, a cash free casino, a disco, Moo Moo Ice Creams and the Maddielili Photography photo-booth to capture our guests in their finest attire.”

There will also be a grand draw with a top prize being a two night stay at The Falcon Hotel, full B&B and a spa bath. Tickets for the ball are on sale at The Falcon Hotel, Spencer Thorne Book Store and The Surfin’ Frog. The team will be attending various other events and locations to set up a Swim Safe stall to promote the project and sell ball tickets.

The regular group of Swim Safe ASA Level 2 qualified teachers from Tavistock will return this August and will be joined by what must be a first for any Swim Safe location.

The life guard team for 2020 are twin sisters Khaya and Ella Paton, both took part in Swim Safe sessions as children and are now fully qualified lifeguards through their membership of Bude Surf Life Saving Club.

Bookings for Swim Safe sessions are through the Swim England website and this facility will be available from late spring. Follow the Swim Safe link through ‘book a session’ which will then act as a guide through all the project locations.

Swim Safe in Bude will be run from Monday to Friday, August 3 to August 14. Each session will take approximately 50 minutes, the four key principles being: swimming in a safe place; making sure an adult is around; how to survive cold water shock; and how/who to call for help when required.

“In Bude we add information on dealing with rip currents for children and parents as this is one of the highest rescue issues our Beach Life Guards have to deal with at Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches,” adds Bill.

Each session is free of charge and parents are welcome to join the sessions.

For more information contact Bill by email [email protected]