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Plymouth uni students taught water safety by RNLI

Chloe Parkman
BBC News, South West
RNLI Students learn to float in the water while an instructor sits on a yellow surfboard. The instructor is wearing a wetsuit and has their arms outstretched.RNLI
The RNLI has urged people to "float to live" if they find themselves struggling in the water

The University of Plymouth has collaborated with the RNLI, Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure to teach students how to stay safe in the water.

The RNLI held a young adult water safety programme in May teaching students how to call for help correctly and how to use a throwline.

That was followed up by an open water swimming session at Tinside Cove which was run by Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure.

Viddhi Chhadva, a postgraduate student who cannot swim, said: "I loved it and definitely feel more confident and I would like to learn how to swim now."

Digital and social media student Grace Uwe added: "I felt it was essential to have some experience and know the basics of saving myself in the water.

"I feel like I've learnt how to stay safe and I'm planning to do more swimming lessons now."

RNLI A group of students with instructors on a beach. Four of the group are squatting on the floor and the rest are standing. Most are in swimwear. Some are in wetsuits. Everyone is smiling.RNLI
One postgraduate student said the session helped her to feel more confident in the water

Associate director of student at the University of Plymouth Steve Gaskin said the sessions had been important to teach students "how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe" in the water.

"This event was an exciting opportunity for students of all swimming abilities to learn more about the open water and we are very grateful to the RNLI, Swim England and Plymouth Active Leisure for their in delivering it," he said.

The single piece of advice which the RNLI has urged the students and the wider public to and share is: "If you find yourself struggling in water, float to live".

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