RNLI lifeguards reach 42,000 children in the south west with water safety advice
The RNLI has reached more than 42,000 students in the south west through Water Smart education sessions in local schools, teaching children vital skills to help them stay safe around water. The sessions conclude as the charity prepares for more RNLI lifeguards to return to the region’s beaches.
RNLI lifeguards have visited 336 schools across Devon, Dorset, and Cornwall to deliver interactive Water Smart sessions, giving young people essential knowledge about water safety and how to respond in an emergency.
The sessions covered: how to spot dangers at sea, the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, and how to call for help in an emergency. The programme is designed to help children feel confident making safe decisions near the sea and other waterways.
Tim Treloar, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager reflects on the importance of the sessions:
‘Education is a core part of the RNLI’s preventative work, helping to reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring children have the knowledge and awareness to stay safe around water.’
As the weather warms and visitor numbers rise, RNLI lifeguards will increase cover to 59 beaches in the south west, providing an essential safety service for those enjoying the coast.
Daily cover will resume from 16 May on the following beaches to join the 27 beaches already being patrolled daily by RNLI lifeguards:
Devon: Sedgewell Cove, Challaborough, Westward Ho!, Sandymere
Cornwall: Seaton,Sharrow, Tregantle, Poldhhu Cove, Kennack, Gyllyngvase, Perranuthnoe, Great Western, Tolcarne, Porth, Portreath, St Agnes, Perran Sands, Holywell Bay, Godrevy, Gwithin South, Upton Towans, Beach View, Porthminster, Gwenver, Porthcurno, Porthcothan, Booby’s, Trevone, Trebarwith, Black Rock, Crooklets, Sandymouth
Notes to editors:
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Image One: RNLI lifeguards delivering water smart session in Dorset
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Image Two: RNLI lifeguards delivering water smart session in Dorset
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Image Three: Perran Sands Lifeguards Ash Cook (Left) and Joel Critchley (Right) on duty.
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RNLI lifeguards reached 89% of schools in Cornwall with Water Smart sessions.
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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For further information, please contact:
Annabelle Spiers, RNLI Communications Placement at [email protected] or on 07521943895, or Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead at [email protected], or RNLI press office on 01202 336789
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.