The visit offered the nursery-age pupils a hands-on introduction to the work of the RNLI and the lifeboat crew.
While crew member Paul stayed hidden in the hallway preparing for a rescue simulation, the youngsters were shown photos of Dart’s new lifeboat station and the boats based there, including pictures of some of the casualties that the volunteers have helped.
Among them were Felicity and her three-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Lucca, who were taken to safety from the waterside in woods near Old Mill Creek. The future RNLI recruits were told how the pager system works and what happens when an emergency call comes in.
To make the experience as realistic as possible, the children were then played the sound of a real pager going off before Paul arrived in the classroom to simulate responding to a shout, surprising no one more than his four-year-old son Henry.
As Paul put on each piece of kit, including his thermal base layer, dry suit, lifejacket and helmet, Robin explained the role of each item and how it helps keep lifeboat crew safe at sea.
RNLI volunteers are always happy to organise school and other visits and spread the message of saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Dominic Hart, Dart RNLI press officer, on 07767 764 144 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at
[email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
