VOLUNTEER lifeguards were out in force to teach children a few first aid tips.

As part of the National Water Safety Awareness Week, held from June 18 to 25, the Chalkwell Lifeguards held a rookie on the beach day to show children what to do should they come across someone in trouble in the water.

Lifeguards taught basic CPR skills, including how to retrieve a person from the water with an object, such as a stick, outside their main rescue centre, which is situated on Chalkwell Esplanade.

Club captain Nick Luff said it was paramount youngsters learn some basic skills before the school holidays start.

Mr Luff said: “The idea of this day is to promote water safety to the public, especially with the summer holidays coming.

“It is very important to know about safety because there are still around 500 drownings nationally every year, which is far too much.”

Olivia Keenan, 11, of Ronald Park Avenue, Westcliff, was one of the children who got some lifesaving tips, and she found the advice useful.

Olivia said: “I have done a bit of CPR training before, as I am a member of an open water swimming club called Redcaps, but it is really good to be able to get a refresher.

“The teachers were really good and they made it quite fun to do.”

Rachel Keenan, 40, Olivia’s mother, believes it is very important for all children to have at least some knowledge of first aid and safety in the water.

She said: “There are a lot of kids from the town who use the beaches and play in the water, and with the school summer holidays coming up soon, it is important for them to know about the safety side of being on the beach, along with the fun side of things.”

Another rookie on the beach day will be taking place on July 16.

Anyone interested in joining or making a donation to the Chalkwell Lifeguards can contact them by email on mail@chalkwelllifeguards.org.uk or visit their rescue centre.