RETURNING to school after half term might not be exciting for some children, but lucky students from the Vale of Glamorgan will swap the classroom for the beach this week as they Hit the Surf with RNLI lifeguards.

Lifeguards will be holding the charity’s popular Hit the Surf safety programme on Whitmore Bay, Barry Island for the next two weeks (starting Monday, June 1) as they teach children how to stay safe on the beach this summer.

Last year more than 500 pupils from 20 Vale of Glamorgan primary schools took part in the Hit the Surf programme on Whitmore Bay.

Hit the Surf teaches children aged seven to 11-years-old vital skills to help them stay safe whilst visiting the coast over the summer.

The educational programme was first introduced by the RNLI in 2004 and has grown in popularity over the years.

As part of the half-day session children are taught the meaning of beach flags, the dangers of rips and tides and what to do if they spot someone else in trouble.

The highlight every year is the chance to put on a wetsuit and learn basic body surf skills under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards.

Elin Jones, RNLI Lifeguard Community Engagement Supervisor said: "We have an amazing coastline here in Wales and the beach is a great day out for all the family.

"It’s nice to see the children leaving each session having learnt new skills. Hopefully some will share these safety tips with other members of the family as they visit the beach this summer."

For more information on how to stay safe on the beach this summer visit the RNLI website www.rnli.org.uk/beachsafety or download the charity’s beach safety mobile app.