RNLI lifeguards team up with NCS to target at risk groups across Sunderland

15-17 year olds have been identified as the most at risk group when it comes to drowning, cold water shock and getting into difficult in the sea. In the first of its kind, RNLI lifeguards are leading a programme as part of the NCS to inform and educate this at risk group.

95% of the charity’s role is prevention and it is hoped this programme will help prevent this at risk group from getting into difficulty. The programme runs throughout July and August and is conducted by RNLI lifeguards.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Nick Campbell said: ‘This programme is the first of its kind and the sessions we have ran so far have been thoroughly enjoyed by the teenagers and the lifeguards conducting the programme.

‘Teenagers are our most at risk group and have often missed out on sea safety programmes so it’s great to be able to deliver the programme in conjunction with NCS.

‘NCS has a great reputation and is becoming increasingly popular with young people. We’re hoping the success of this years programme will allow us to educate even more young people in the future.’

Notes to editors

• 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 over 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 142,700 lives.

• As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week. Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

• NCS (National Citzen Service) is a summer programme open to all teenager aged 15-17. It provides teenagers with new experiences, teaches them new skills and aims to improve confidence. NCS can be added to UCAS applications and CVs.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information contact:

Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email at [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email at [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.