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RNLI Skegness volunteer hits milestone in water safety education

Lifeboats News Release

In a milestone achievement, an RNLI Skegness volunteer has engaged with over 2,600 individuals in water safety education so far this year, marking an impactful contribution to the charity's lifesaving mission on World Drowning Prevention Day.

RNLI

Alan presenting at Skegness Academy

On World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July 2023), RNLI Skegness is proud to announce that volunteer Water Safety Advisor, Alan Gordon-Griffiths, has so far engaged with over 2,600 individuals through the water safety education scheme this year. This includes 976 children aged 4-7, 490 children aged 8-11, and 855 teenagers aged 12-18.

Most recently, Alan attended the secondary school, Skegness Academy and spoke to 750 12-18 year olds across the school as well as 36 staff members.

As schools across the UK break for the summer holidays, RNLI Skegness wants to remind everyone of the importance of staying safe at the coast. Last summer, RNLI lifeguards assisted 1,563 people, including 802 children and 245 teenagers, during 1,373 incidents in the North and East region*.

'Water Safety Education is not just a scheme; it's a lifesaving mission,' says Tony Johnson, Deputy Launch Authority at Skegness Lifeboat Station. 'Alan's outstanding work in raising awareness of water safety among local children, visitors, and adults is invaluable. His efforts are making our coasts safer for everyone.'

Teachers, tutors, and youth leaders play a crucial role in this mission. By helping young people learn vital water safety messages, they contribute significantly towards preventing incidents and saving lives at sea.

Schools can access a wide range of educational materials and lesson plans for young people of all ages. From ages 3-18, all materials are curriculum linked and tailored for every age group covering a variety of different subjects The RNLI also offers free visits from water safety volunteers like Alan, who deliver sessions in schools, clubs, and organisations. Schools and groups can learn more about the RNLI's education work, access resources, and book visits on the RNLI website.

'Engaging in water safety education is one of the most important things we can do to prevent tragedies at sea and on our coastline,' says Alan. 'I invite all schools, clubs, and groups to book a visit. Let's work together to make our waters safer.'

RNLI Skegness is immensely proud of Alan's ongoing work. His dedication and passion for water safety education continue to make a significant contribution to the RNLI's lifesaving mission.

The third World Drowning Prevention Day follows a UN resolution on drowning prevention, acknowledging the issue for the first time in its 75-year history.

Notes to editors

  • Lifeguard stats are from July 25-September 2
  • Drownings stat is from the WAID Water Incident Database (WAID), maintained by the National Water Safety Forum. To view and download the WAID 2022 report visit: https://www.nationalwatersafety.org.uk/waid

  • Consents and permissions have been granted for use of all pictures.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on [email protected]

RNLI Press Office: [email protected]

Skegness Infant and Junior Academies

Alan presenting to Skegness Infant and Junior Academies

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Alan delivering a Water Safety engagement

Skegness Infant and Junior Academies

Water Safety Presentation

Chapel St Leonards Primary School

Alan presenting at Chapel St Leonards Primary School

Skegness Infant and Junior Academies

RNLI Skegness Visits Team during School Visit

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 more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.