Bournemouth water safety workshops give families skills in August

Families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can book into life-saving water safety workshops at Rossmore Leisure Centre during August 2026. The remaining sessions run from Friday 14 August to Friday 28 August, with times between 11.30am and 1.30pm depending on the date.

The workshops are open to families of all ages and are delivered by community initiative Beachwise in partnership with the RNLI, with BCP Leisure hosting and supporting the programme. A price has not been specified.

To reserve a place, call BCP Rossmore Leisure Centre reception on 01202 817 777 and select Option 1. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is encouraging parents and children to sign up together.

What families will practise in the water

The sessions focus on practical water safety and in-water self-rescue skills for families. According to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, participants will practise self-rescue techniques, learn how to recognise risks and consider how to react in an emergency.

The programme also includes Float to Live skills, which the RNLI has encouraged families to practise in the water. Rather than being aimed only at children, the sessions are designed for parents and children to take part together, combining practical activity with awareness of staying safer in and around water.

Beachwise has already educated more than 12,000 children across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in 2026, the council said. These August workshops extend that work to whole families at the leisure centre.

Rossmore Leisure Centre session times

Booking details and practical information

All listed workshops are at Rossmore Leisure Centre in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Families should use the reception number to reserve a spot and can choose a session time that suits their date.

The council’s announcement does not provide a ticket price, transport arrangements or accessibility information, so families needing those details should ask the leisure centre when they call. The sessions are part of Beachwise’s August water-safety programme with the RNLI and BCP Leisure.

Source: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council