The weekly club helping kids stay safe in the sea

After a hot day at school, you can see why children living near the beach might be tempted to take a dip in the sea.

But the water can be unpredictable and getting into trouble can happen quickly.

Branksome Chine Surf Life Saving club in Dorset is one of many of its kind across the country, teaching both children and adults how to stay safe.

Its youngest group, known as "nippers", is for children as young as eight. They meet weekly to learn life-saving skills and surf safety.

The volunteer-led club can see more than 100 children put on their orange swimming caps each week.

They are taught to recognise hazards, like riptides and cold-water shock, and how to help others.

Chairman Mark Dixon said it gives children "confidence" in the water.

"If they're on the beach with friends that aren't in the club or haven't got that same knowledge, then they impart that knowledge on to their friends.

"One of our parents was saying, where their kids have come through this programme, they're better in the water than they are," he said.

Children also take part in beach games, with firm favourite "beach flags" - an activity where they lie down, before sprinting to dive and grab a flag.

Back in the water, they use boards to practice balance and paddling.

Former nipper Eloise Kane, who volunteers as the section lead, said she "absolutely loves" training the next generation.

"It's one of the only sports I know that completely matches competitiveness, safety, education skills and is also a lot of fun," she said.

Often, club members train to become lifeguards when they turn 16 and many go on to volunteer with the RNLI.

The RNLI is promoting the life-saving message "float to live" - another key skill the nippers are encouraged to remember.

By floating, you are given the best chance to recover and catch your breath if you get into trouble in the water.

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