Children from across the West Wight have been given the opportunity to experience sailing and powerboating thanks to funding support from Freshwater Parish Council.
The grant was awarded to UKSA to support its Test the Water programme, enabling local schoolchildren to take part in fully funded sessions on the River Medina during April.
The programme provides young people with an introduction to sailing and powerboating while helping them develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and communication skills. For many of the children involved, it was their first experience on the water.
Through a combination of shore-based activities and practical sessions afloat, participants built water confidence before heading out onto the Medina in dinghies and powerboats under the guidance of UKSA’s qualified instructors.
Cara Hetherington, Fundraising Co-ordinator at UKSA, said:
“Funding support such as this plays a vital role in ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the water, regardless of their circumstances.
“The West Wight has areas of significant deprivation and this funding helped ensure entire classes could participate together, meaning no child was left behind.
“For many of the children, this was their first time on the water. Some arrived feeling nervous and unsure, but with encouragement from our instructors they quickly grew in confidence. By the end of the sessions they were embracing new challenges, working together as teams and enjoying experiences they will remember for years to come.”
UKSA’s Test the Water programme is designed to introduce young people to the opportunities available on and around the water while developing important life skills that can benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.
The programme forms part of UKSA’s wider charitable mission to remove barriers to maritime opportunities and ensure young people from all backgrounds can access transformative experiences afloat.
Kirsty Gibson, Clerk to Freshwater Parish Council, said:
“UKSA’s Test the Water programme gives local children the chance to try something completely new, challenge themselves and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
“We are delighted that our grant has helped ensure every child could take part, regardless of their circumstances.”
Freshwater Parish Council remains committed to supporting projects and organisations that enhance the lives of local residents and strengthen communities across the West Wight.
Through this funding, more local children have been able to experience the benefits of being on the water, develop new skills and gain an insight into activities and opportunities they may otherwise never have had the chance to explore.
