THE Holywell Bay Surf Life Saving Club is offering free taster sessions on Thursday, November 13 and Sunday, November 16 for local kids aged 8 to 13.

As the summer sessions on the beach draw to a close until next spring, surf life saving clubs head into the pool for winter training. This is a great time for the public to join such clubs as it gives younger people the chance to learn essential skills in the familiar surroundings of a pool - before heading out to the sea next year.

This winter, Holywell Nippers (aged 8 to 13) will be swimming in Newquay Waterworld on Sunday, and Newquay Bay (Trevelgue) Holiday Park on Thursday evenings. Plus, there will be optional sessions in the 50m pool at Mount Kelly School in Tavistock offering extra competition training.

To kick the season off, potential new Nippers are invited to join open sessions. They can choose from:

  • Thursday, November 13 at Newquay Bay Resort, Trevelgue (6pm)
  • Sunday, November 16 at Newquay Leisure Centre (4pm)

Individuals can just turn up on the night ready to swim and bring goggles. The club will provide any extra kit people need and children must be comfortable swimming 25m unaided.

Club chairman Steve Peck explains: “Surf life saving gives young people the chance to learn essential water safety skills - and even work towards becoming a beach lifeguard one day. But more than that, sessions are fun, inclusive and social!

“From circuits to surfing - the opportunities are endless and all ages are welcome. Come and find out more about this cornerstone of our community and get involved!”

For the past 60 years, volunteers from Holywell Bay and the surrounding area have joined together to become members of a real surf club, which serves as a life saving centre and social venue for all of it’s members.