News

If you like getting your feet wet, then watch this space as proposed changes to Youth Afloat, the watersports festival for 9 - 17 year olds, were discussed at an Environment Overview Group meeting on Thursday 4 December 2003.

Building on the previous success of Youth Afloat festivals, over the past 19 years, the organisers hope to transform the festival into 'Poole Afloat' and work with local providers to offer a broader range of watersports to those living in Poole.

Activities have previously only been available to those between the ages of 9 - 17; 'Poole Afloat' will offer various opportunities to all interested in water based activities. By working with existing partners such as Rockley Watersports and Hamworthy Outdoor Education Centre and developing new partnerships with events such as Harbour Challenge, Go Boating and Animal Windfest, 'Poole Afloat' will encourage participants to learn and develop new skills and hopefully gain recognised qualifications.

Chairman of the Youth Afloat Working Group, Bruce Grant-Braham, said: "Instead of limiting participation to just one weekend of the year, we are transforming the scheme and hope to encourage people to actively get interested in watersports and develop a lifelong interest. From feedback received after previous years we've noticed that people who come to the Youth Afloat Festival are keen to extend their interest in the activities they try and often do not know where to start. Through 'Poole Afloat' we will be working in partnership with local providers to improve this and open up new opportunities."

'Poole Afloat' will continue to focus efforts on encouraging watersports participation for everyone, regardless of status or ability. By working with local companies, those limited through disadvantage or disability will have the opportunity to be part of specialist activities and trips. For example, a particular company might, through sponsorship, wish to encourage children with learning difficulties to learn about water safety. 'Poole Afloat' will then organise a course or day with the RNLI to teach water safety and life saving skills.

Cllr Jonathan Pethen, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "By eliminating the age restrictions placed by Youth Afloat we are encouraging access and participation to anyone who has an interest in water based activities. Where once it was just youngsters who had the chance to have fun and enjoy the beautiful waters of Poole this will now be available to everyone through Poole Afloat."