Active Southend-on-Thames is making a splash once again in 2026, bringing a range of exciting water-based activities to Southend’s coastline and helping more residents experience the health and wellbeing benefits of our local blue spaces.

Following another successful year of activities, the programme returns with a new schedule designed to encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to get active on the water. Funded by Active Thames, the programme continues to focus on tackling inequalities that can prevent some communities from accessing opportunities on the water.

This year’s programme offers a variety of sessions aimed at building water confidence, supporting wellbeing and helping people connect with Southend’s coastal environment in a safe and welcoming way.

Activities planned for 2026 include:

Blue Therapy Active:

5 x Cold Water Dips

–  Sunday 5th July, 4pm

 

• 25 x Kayaking Sessions delivered (4 people per session, 13+ year olds)

Session dates will be confirmed soon, but please get in touch, as we can arrange dates around your availability. Sessions will be delivered from Two Tree Island.

Gone for a Swim:

• 6 x YogaSwim sessions (12 people per session, 18+ year olds)

– Fri 24 April 0600
– Sun 26 April 1930
– Sun 24 May 1900
– Fri 10 July 2000
– Sat 25 July 0800
– Sat 22 Aug 0800

• 2 x Mulberry Walks & Sea Dips (10 people per session, 12+ year olds)

– Sat 1 Aug 0800
– Sun 2 Aug 0830

• 2 x Introduction to Sea Swimming sessions (10 people per session, 12+ year olds)

– Sun 26 May 0830
– Sat 25 July 0945

• 4 x Estuary-based Swimming & Water Safety Training sessions (12 people per session, 6-11 year olds)

– Sat 1 Aug 1300
– Sun 2 Aug 1400
– Sat 15 Aug 1300
– Sun 16 Aug 1400

Sessions will be delivered at either Thorpe Bay Beach or at Shoebury Common Beach. Book your place by clicking here

Beach School Explorers

Provide inspiring activities to develop the children’s curiosity and help them to discover nature. You will explore and learn about this part of the Essex Coast and Estuary while rock pooling and beachcombing and we’ll provide facts about the superpowers and magic of the coastal wildlife we find. Learn about the ecosystems and environment. We take part in a 2 minute litter pick and learn about how to be more sustainable and get inspired to protect the Essex coastline. We also focus on water safety learning how to float to live.

• Tuesday 21st July, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Shoeburyness Beach
• Friday 24th July, 1pm to 3pm at Thorpe Bay Beach
• Monday 27th July, 3pm to 5pm at Chalkwell Beach
• Saturday 5th September, 11am to 1pm at Chalkwell Beach

Book your place now

Booking info: Look out for our sail flag Beach School Explorers and come and find Lisa and I’ll be on hand to help. When we have all arrived, we will take part in a safety talk before we take part in a 5 min litter pick. When we head down to the tidal pool to explore and discover wildlife, we will discuss the seashore code and kindness to the animals and the habitats.

Essex Barbarians Rowing Club

• 5 x Club Coach Training Courses (all slots have been reserved)

These activities provide a great opportunity for people to try something new, improve their confidence around water and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of being active outdoors.

Sessions available for community groups

Charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), community groups and faith groups are invited to reserve sessions for their members. These sessions are a fantastic way to support wellbeing, encourage physical activity and create new experiences for the communities you work with.

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so organisations interested in booking sessions are encouraged to get in touch early. If you’re interested in one session or more for your group, please email jlangstone@savs-southend.co.uk

Active Southend-on-Thames continues to showcase the incredible natural assets along our coastline while helping ensure that more people have the opportunity to enjoy them. More information on bookings for the public will be announced soon. 🌊