Swim initiative helps refugees overcome sea trauma

The scheme aims to build confidence and teach critical survival skills on the water

A charity has been helping refugees and asylum seekers overcome 'sea trauma', after suffering adverse experiences on the water.

Reclaim the Sea (RTS), which launched in 2022, hosts lessons for people to learn basic swimming skills.

Partnering with Refugees Welcome North Somerset (RWNS), the group recently welcomed eight women to Weston-super-Mare's Marine Lake for a four-week programme.

Alongside teaching survival skills, the charity says it wants to see "safe and legal" immigration routes to prevent other refugees experiencing "trauma".

The participants have each been paired with volunteers on a one-to-one basis

Plymouth-based charity RTS helps refugees and asylum-seekers learn to swim, surf and stand up paddleboard (SUP) along the south coast, where many have found a home.

The two charities have now joined forces to meet what they say is a demand for similar services in North Somerset.

They say refugee fears can come from personally experiencing difficult crossings to the UK, knowing people who have had bad experiences on migrant boats or not having access to the sea in their home countries.

The participants meet on Friday mornings to build upon their skills

Rebecca Wetten, programme lead and swimming instructor, said the lessons offer a "refugees and asylum seekers a chance to find joy and safety in the sea".

"For refugees and asylum seekers, learning to swim or overcoming water-based trauma can be truly life-changing,” she added.

Building on new skills each week, the programme covers the basics of swimming and critical survival skills in the marine lake.

Donna King from RWNS says: "We are once again inspired by the courage and trust shown by women who have been through so much.

"We are lucky to have the marine lake on our doorstep, and being able to share this with our new friends has been an absolute privilege.”

Rebecca van der Veer, director of RTS, says the programme expansion has been "beautiful to witness".

The group said it will continue to campaign for safe and legal routes established for refugees.