Esporta, Making a splash and raising vital funds for RNLI Poole

Esporta health and fitness club recently held a swimming gala that included lots of fun events and races for the children who all had a great time during the event.

The money raised will go towards running Poole Lifeboat station and a cheque for £574.60 was presented by Marie Escort, Esporta Swimming co-ordinator, to Poole RNLI fundraising secretary; Lindsay Gray.

Coxswain Jonathan Clark of Poole Lifeboat said "Being so close to the sea its vital that children learn to swim and be confident in and around water from an early age. My children have been taking swimming lessons at Esporta since they were 4 months old and at 5 and 3 years of age they are both confident swimmers I am grateful to the swimming instructors at Esporta, as this gives me peace of mind, when we are out on the water or just walking along the quay".

Poole Lifeboat and Beach Rescue are called out to help "swimmers in difficulty" too many times and the RNLI have issued this very useful 5 point guide.

Before you get in the water
1: Spot any dangers by checking out the beach when you arrive. Be aware of physical hazards such as rocks, piers, groynes and breakwaters.
2: Look for undertow currents and dangerous rip currents. If you're unsure, ask the Lifeguard.
3: Don't swim alone, it's safer with a friend, and try to make sure there are other people around - You never know when help might be needed.
4: Take safety advice, and aim to swim where there is a Lifeguard on patrol - Look for zoned swimming areas, marked by Red and Yellow flags.
5: Look out for safety information, warning signs and flags. NEVER swim where a sign says not to, or when a Red flag is flying.

The fantastic amount raised by the youngsters at the Esporta swimming Gala will go towards training and essential lifesaving equipment at Poole lifeboat station "Coxswain Jonathan Clark added "we are very grateful for the support and all the effort that went towards this event".

For further info
Contact Pauline at Esporta 642600
Jonathan Clark 07764 320542