
Three summer lifesavers to beat school holiday boredom!
In need of some ideas to keep your little lifesavers entertained over the summer holidays? Let our volunteers come to your rescue with inspiration on how they’re keeping their youngest crew members busy over the next few weeks (with a bonus tip from our very own Stormy Stan!)
‘My RNLI drawings keep the children quiet and happy!'
When rainy days strike, one volunteer has found a trusty lifeline – brighten any grey afternoon with a vibrant splash of colouring.
‘I’ve given some RNLI drawings to friends and family to colour in which were met with lots of smiles and thanks yous,’ says Fundraiser Martin Kinghoward. ‘It keeps the children quiet and happy – until I run out of drawings of course!’
Martin’s drawings are a regular feature at his fundraising events, which he displays alongside his impressive collection of model lifeboats. ‘Any money I make from the drawings goes to Skegness Lifeboat Station,’ he says, proudly.
Feeling inspired from Martin’s handy colouring hack? Let the Storm Force gang – the RNLI’s exclusive club for kids – come to your rescue! Print out this blank canvas of our beachy lifeguard scene, and let your little lifesavers get to colourful work.
You’ll find lots more templates, from sketching in our all-weather lifeboat fleet to designing your own surfboard, in the Storm Force Crew Room – our exclusive online space filled with games, puzzles and activities for RNLI Storm Force members. Keep reading to find out how to sign up.
‘Take on a family challenge for summer – and you’ll help save lives’
‘It’s a summer like no other, isn’t it?’ says Yvette Kershaw, Trainee Crew Member at Kessock RNLI. ‘Like so many other lifeboat stations, we had to cancel our annual Open Day. Families usually get together with us in the summer holidays and have a fun day down at the boathouse with the crew.
‘So this year, we’ve decided to make our fundraiser virtual, which means that anyone – no matter where they are – can take part and keep their family entertained over these coming weeks.
‘All you need to do is make a small donation, then get outside and travel at least 1 mile as part of our virtual race. You could do anything from walking, scooting, cycling or paddleboarding – the world is your oyster! And as soon as you manage to make up a mile, we’ll send you a virtual certificate for taking part.
‘So, wherever you are (even if you’re abroad on holiday!) you can take on a challenge, keep the little ones entertained and help us save lives.’
‘Let’s go fly a kite!’
This year, more than ever, we hope to spend as much time outdoors as we safely can with friends and family. And to help keep your crew entertained on your next weekend walk, al-fresco picnic or exciting staycation, we asked Stormy Stan – coxswain of the Storm Form crew – for his best boredom-busting advice.
‘Any coxswain will tell you that the weather is unpredictable – even in summer!’ laughs Stormy. ‘And the next time a gentle summer breeze whips into a warmer wind, make like my chums Choppy the cat and Polly Puffin by making your own kite!’
‘You can follow their simple steps to make one like this at home, for some extra easy fun. Why not get your crew to all muck in together to make a family kite? Or, better yet, print everyone their own so you can fly them side-by-side, chase high-flying birds and most importantly – fun memories. Trust me, your crew will love it!’
For more activity ideas this summer, why not sign your youngest crew members up to Storm Force? As a member, your little lifesaver will be part of something really special.
They’ll get Storm Force magazine four times a year, a membership pack and access to our online crew room filled with exciting rescues, games and videos. Plus, your family will be helping to save lives at sea all year round!
You’re our summer lifesaver
You are an essential part of our lifesaving crew – and you don’t even need to pull on a pair of yellow wellies or step aboard a boat to do so.
Whether you’re sharing summer safety advice with friends and family, giving a kind donation, or selflessly offering your time to power our lifesaving work, you’re making a huge difference. You’re helping to bring someone in trouble safely home, and protecting the rescuers. That’s what makes you a lifesaver too.