Thousands of children complete water safety course
BBCThousands of children across south-west England have taken part in lessons to help them stay safe around water.
The RNLI said the Water Smart education sessions, which took place over seven weeks from 10 March to 1 May, had been delivered to more than 42,000 students.
The charity visited 336 schools across Devon, Dorset and Cornwall, with training sessions including how to spot dangers at sea and how to call for help in an emergency.
The RNLI said lifeguards would increase cover to include 59 beaches in south-west England this summer.
'Float to live'
RNLI water safety education manager Tim Treloar said education was a core part of the RNLI's preventative work.
"It helps to reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring children have the knowledge and awareness to stay safe around water," he said.
The charity urged people who swim in the sea or any other open water to make sure they knew how to "float to live".
If people find themselves in trouble in the sea, the RNLI urged them to tilt their head back with ears submerged, try to relax, and control their breathing.
Emmie Seward-Adams, from the RNLI's water safety delivery team, said: "By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing."
