More than a dozen youngsters holidaying at Kiln Park, Tenby, developed their surf safety skills with the RNLI’s Hit the Surf team yesterday (Wednesday).

Hitting the surf in near-perfect summer weather, the group of eight to 12-year-olds were taught all about safety in the surf by six strong team of RNLI lifeguards.

The youngsters had come with their families to spend their half-term holidays in Tenby from as far away as Grimsby and Surrey, with a good contingent of Welsh children in the group as well.

Throughout the half term, and continuing through the summer, Haven Holidays and the RNLI will be running the Hit the Surf programme around the country. This is a unique scheme that teaches youngsters surf safety skills and how to stay safe at the beach.

The programme has been designed for children aged between eight and 12, and combines theory and practical lessons about how to keep safe in the surf.

Beach safety leaflets will also be distributed, highlighting key information for the local area, including hazards and the location of the closest lifeguarded beach.

Local school children from Lamphey, Prendergast, Roch, Solva, Glannau Gwaun, St Aidan’s, Cosheston, Manorbier, Tenby Junior, St Mary’s and St Florence will also have the chance to participate in the programme.

Schools interested in participating in future Hit The Surf sessions should contact Dave Gorman, RNLI Divisional Beach Safety Manager on 07970 080806 or email beachsafety@rnli.org.uk Nicky Palmer.