HUNDREDS of youngsters have been learning valuable water safety lessons that could help save lives.

The RNLI has been at Seaburn beach in Sunderland over the last few weeks running Hit the Surf sessions for primary school pupils aged eight to 11.

Eleven year old Fulwell Junior School pupil Scarlett Anderson said: “Hit

the surf was amazing fun and it was great to learn how to stay safe in the

water.”

The two-and-a-half hour sessions are part of Sunderland’s annual water safety programme which has seen the RNLI joining forces with the City Council and the Royal Lifesaving Society to promote water safety.

Lifeguard supervisor Nick Campbell said: “We talk the importance of always swimming between the red and yellow flags, and what to do if you get into trouble.

“This is followed with lifesaving and learning to surf based on skills which help build confidence in the sea.”