As summer begins and the sun shines, North Tyne Youth (NTY) is making a splash with its open water swimming programme for young people in North West Northumberland. Throughout June and July, 49 NTY club members, aged 8 to 14, have participated in outdoor swimming under the expert guidance of H2oTrails’ professional instructor and champion ice swimmer, Fenwick Ridley.
Nearly 20% of NTY’s membership and staff have been involved in this initiative, learning essential skills to stay safe in open water while enjoying the benefits of guided outdoor swimming. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback like:
“That. Was. AMAZING.”
“Best night ever!”
This highlights the programme’s impact
Raising Water Safety Awareness
With the summer holidays drawing young people to rivers and lakes, water safety awareness is crucial. The National Water Safety Forum reports that 400 people die from accidental drowning each year in the UK. Locally, Northumberland has seen several tragic water-related incidents, underscoring the importance of initiatives like NTY’s program.
Empowering Young People
Lisa Robinson, NTY’s Youth Development Worker, emphasises the importance of equipping young people with skills to enjoy the outdoors safely. She said:
“Youth work supports young people to make the best decisions they can, and gives them opportunities to learn valuable life skills like risk management and critical thinking.”
Lisa Robinson, NTY’s Youth Development Worker.
Fenwick Ridley, owner of H2oTrails, adds:
“This year we have seen more attendance from youth groups, and close to home this has included NTY. I’m so pleased to be supporting the kids and families in aid of water safety, as right now it’s super-important.”
Fenwick Ridley, owner of H2oTrails.
North Tyne Youth’s open water swimming program is not only teaching valuable safety skills but also inspiring young people to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly. By spreading awareness and fostering community engagement, NTY is paving the way for a safer, more informed generation.
For more details, please refer to the press release below:
