Safe by the Sea was officially launched on Morecambe Bay Day 2025, and is a project made by the young people of Stanley Community Centre as a response to their apprehension when accessing the wonderful nature of Morecambe Bay.

Safe by the Sea leads with a film which premiered at Heysham’s Jubilee Institute and pulls together a collection of the young people’s experiences, stories and facts, in the hope they will feel more confident to explore their amazing environment and local habitat. Featuring contributions from local experts, the film offers young people clear advice on how best to explore the bay safely, along with some fascinating tales along the way.

Safe by the Sea premiered at Heysham's Jubilee Institute

The project was originally devised after a near tragedy when several of the young people were stranded at Morecambe’s West End beach and had to call the lifeguard. Blake, who helped to make the film was one of those stranded: “We got stuck in the side rocks, the tide was taking us quickly with it, so it was a real struggle to swim back," said Blake. “It means a lot, knowing that experience and going through that. You don't want really anyone to be out in trouble. The water is more dangerous than anyone thinks."

The experts recruited in response to this incident were Michael Wilson, the King’s Guide to the Sands, Jon Gibirdi from The Mallows swimming group and Amber Woods, of The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery.

“Safe by the Sea is a great film and I’m not surprised there is a buzz about it. It’s a really good idea to involve young people that have actually experienced the dangers of the bay themselves.’’ said Mallows group founder Jon. “I was really impressed when I came to Stanleys and met the young people; I was so surprised at their enthusiasm for the subject! I hope the film is shown far and wide.”

The film has a number of accompanying resources that can be found on Morecambe Bay Curriculum's resource page including Safe by the Sea: The Story Hunt, a QR code scavenger hunt around Morecambe’s West End Gardens and promenade, along with a quiz, factsheet and suggestions for further learning opportunities in the bay.

The Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission held the conversations that ultimately led to the delivery of the project, with the aim of levelling the understanding of young people and develop their expertise in the life of the bay. "These young people grow up living 100m from the sea and they might have been here all their lives, but they don't understand the tides and the danger that's out there," said Victoria Carter, MBPTC civic commissioner and head of engagement at Lancaster and Morecambe College.

“There's a real gap in knowledge for young people, around how to keep themselves safe. They see the beach, and they see the Promenade as a space that isn't particularly for them or safe for them. We wanted to do something to improve that, so they can live here and take part in activities in a safe way."

'Safe by the Sea was a great experience. It was interesting to learn about different things and hear other’s experiences. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be part of it!' - Millie

Participants Lydia and Becca, modelling the stories of the bay recorded by young people, available by QR link on Morecambe Prom