A trio of friendly sea creatures are helping Gwynedd Council to teach children how best to safely enjoy the beautiful seashore.

After being discovered on Gwynedd's beaches before the end of term, Dewi the Dolphin, Seren the Starfish and Olwen the Octopus have been to some of the county's primary schools to talk to the children.

During their visits to Ysgol Treferthyr in Criccieth; Ysgol Nefyn and Ysgol y Traeth in Barmouth, the three buddies listened to what the children enjoyed doing at the seaside, and talked to them about how to stay safe in the water and on the beach.

Some of the things the children learned were:

• The tides and currents can be dangerous.

• If a red flag is flying on the beach, it is too dangerous to get into the water.

• It’s important to stay close to family or friends - don't wander off by yourself.

• If there are signs on the beach, make sure you and the adults looking after you read them.

• If you see someone in trouble in the water, tell an adult - for example, whoever is looking after you, or the beach warden. They may need to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

During the sessions, the children were given the important job of naming the three sea creatures.

In return for doing such a good job, they were all given a sticker to remember the day and a postcard to remind them how to stay safe.

Dewi, Seren and Olwen will have more of the stickers and postcards to give to other children during their days on the county's beaches.

Barry Davies, Gwynedd Council's maritime service manager, said: "I am extremely grateful for the wonderful welcome Dewi, Seren, Olwen and I received from all the children.

"Over the summer break, I'm sure most of the children will be going to the seaside, and of course, many children from other areas will be coming here on holiday and will be visiting our beaches.

“There are two important things here – firstly, that the children have fun and enjoy all that our beautiful beaches have to offer, but secondly, that they stay safe and that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.

“I'm looking to Seren, Dewi and Olwen keeping me company around Gwynedd’s shore over the next few weeks. They will be visiting our most popular beaches to talk to more children and teach them how to stay safe.

“If children and parents see the three buddies, don't be shy. Please come along and say 'hello' and take a selfie.”

If parents are posting pictures on social media, remember to include @CyngorGwynedd on Twitter or @CyngorGwyneddCouncil on Facebook and Instagram so the council can like and share.

Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council's cabinet member for the economy, added: "Gwynedd's beaches are wonderful places and we want everyone to enjoy themselves here.

“But we want people and children to be aware of the dangers. Especially as more of us spend our leisure time closer to home, and perhaps not in commercial resorts, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

“Even if we’re staying close to home, it is important not to let our guard down and always respect the sea and the sand dunes.

"With the help of the beach buddies, we will ensure that this important message reaches as many families as possible in Gwynedd and beyond this summer."

A video of the three beach buddies visiting Ysgol Treferthyr is available here.

More videos will be available on Gwynedd Council's social media soon - please look out for them.