Children from eight schools across Pembrokeshire are preparing to hit the surf with RNLI lifeguards as they take part in a unique scheme to teach surf safety skills and how to stay safe at the beach.

For two weeks in June, starting on Monday (June 22), students from eight Pembrokeshire schools will be taking part in the charity RNLI's unique 'Hit The Surf' programme - developing their surf safety skills and learning important advice from the beach safety experts, RNLI lifeguards.

All sessions are happening on Tenby's South Beach.

The programme is designed for children aged between eight and 12, and it combines theory and practical lessons about how to surf safely.

Each year, surfing and bodyboarding are the activities accounting for the greatest proportion of incidents on RNLI lifeguarded beaches.

Last year, they accounted for 41 per cent of activity-related rescues carried out by RNLI lifeguards. Last year in Pembrokeshire alone, RNLI lifeguards responded to 509 incidents and assisted 561 people.

Dave Gorman, RNLI divisional beach safety manager, said: "Surfing and bodyboarding are very popular, particularly with children and young people.

"However, each year these two activities account for a vast proportion of the rescues carried out by the RNLI's lifeguards, so it's really important that children learn how to surf safely.

"With more people likely to be holidaying in the UK this year, we expect to see more people on the beaches and more young people hitting the surf," he continued.

"The RNLI's Hit The Surf programme aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to have fun but stay safe in the surf.

"The sessions are run by highly-trained RNLI lifeguards. They include beach activities, surf skills advice and safety talks.

"The children learn about the role of a lifeguard, what the beach safety flags mean, and what to do if they find themselves in trouble in the water. This all means they are learning important safety lessons and having great fun at the same time," added Dave.

The programme will run in Pembrokeshire from Monday to Friday, and from June 29 to July 3.

Since the programme started in 2005, more than 2,600 children from 120 schools have taken part across the UK. The scheme complements the RNLI charity's summer beach safety campaign, which encourages all beach-goers to make safety a priority when visiting the seaside by choosing a lifeguarded beach.

Schools interested in participating in future 'Hit The Surf' sessions should contact Dave Gorman, RNLI divisional beach safety manager, on 07970 080806.