Cardiff school pupils excited by RNLI visit

Volunteer Educational Officer, Ben Philips, was invited to educate nearly 60 pupils about the role of the RNLI and educate pupils of playing safe around water.

The RNLI's trained educational teams visit schools throughout Wales and the United Kingdom to empower young people. Educating pupils of all ages on the basics of learning different beach signs, awareness of potential dangerous situations around playing near water and giving them an opportunity to experience wearing crew member equipment.

Ben Philips, Education Officer at Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat station, said: 'Our lessons are both fun and educational. From the challenge of putting on the lifeboat crew kit quickest, learning about different volunteer roles within the RNLI, to the involvement of the organisation in the community. Importantly, we engage the pupils on how to stay safe around water.'

And there was an added sense of reality for the youngsters when Ben received a pager call. He said: My pager went off halfway through the lesson, but on this occasion it was only for a standby call.'

'We hope these visits help inspire the next generation of RNLI volunteers.'

Barry Dock RNLI station visits schools around south Wales and we can be contacted to arrange a visit through the website at RNLI.org. The website has additional free interactive material available – including video, posters and teaching packs - designed for school pupils between three and 18 years old.

Notes to editors:

The attached picture shows Mount Stuart Primary School pupils Hussein and Ola trying on lifeboat kit with Barry Dock RNLI Education Officer Ben Phillips.

For more information please contact Steven John Harry, Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07456 070389 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.