An important campaign has returned for Drowning Prevention Week to educate children about staying safe in the water.

Wave Leisure Trust first launched the drive last year after seven men drowned at Camber Sands near Rye.

This summer, one-hour sessions are available in Lewes and Newhaven and will be open to children aged eight to 14.

The sessions aim to ensure children know how to stay safe when on the beach, in the sea or in a river or swimming pool.

Nina Fletcher, Wave’s aquatics development co-ordinator, said: “It is my job to ensure as many people as possible learn to swim, providing aquatic life skills for physical activity and fun.

“I am delighted Wave is repeating this activity for a second year, giving the local community an opportunity to learn how to be safe in and around the water, especially with the arrival of summer.”

During the fun and interactive sessions, children will be taught to understand what lifeguard flags mean, to be clear on swimming rules and how to float and tread water for three minutes or more.

Charlie Branson, seafront officer on Brighton and Hove beaches, commended the classes.

He said: “These sessions sound great. The sea isn’t the place to learn to swim and the children will get to learn some important skills in a safe environment.

“That’s going to be the key to their success in the future as open water swimmers.”

Charlie said this kind of preparation for swimming in the sea was “invaluable” and hoped the classes would inspire the younger generation.

He said: “As they get older, hopefully these kids will join lifesaving clubs or open water swimming clubs, there are some great ones out there.”

When asked what message he would give anyone using the beach, he said: “Fundamentally during the bathing water season, which in Brighton is between the end of May Bank Holiday to the first week of September, you should swim between the red and yellow flags.

“If you have children, always go to a lifeguarded beach. Speak to the lifeguards, they are more than willing to give safety advice.

“If you follow that advice, you will have a lovely, safe time at the beach.

“For the general public, when we are flying red flags in adverse weather, we would advise people not to swim and to stay away from the shoreline.”

The water safety sessions will be held at Lewes Leisure Centre on July 31 and at Seahaven Swim and Fitness Centre in Newhaven on August 14.