DOZENS of young swimmers have been given potentially life-saving advice to help them when they are at sea.
Seventy-two children stopped off at Dunbar Lifeboat Station on Saturday.
The visit was part of an exchange programme running since 1982 between Haddington and District Amateur Swimming Club and the swimming club Serres Castet, based in the south west of France, near the city of Pau.
A spokesperson for Dunbar RNLI explained what they did and offered advice for when in difficulty in the sea.
They said: “During a tour of the station, we showed the students our inshore D class lifeboat 'David Lauder' and the specialist kit we use to keep ourselves safe.
“We explained that, as the charity that saves lives at sea, we rely on public donations to keep doing what we do.
“As keen swimmers, they were interested to learn how we promote water safety and, in particular, our Float to Live message.
“If you get into trouble in the water, float. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to.
“Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently.
“Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
“Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool.”
