RNLI Lifeguards in Scotland deliver water safety sessions to 2000 pupils
8 RNLI lifeguards in Scotland presented lifesaving assemblies that informed 2000 young people of key beach safety advice.
Last month, RNLI lifeguards visited over 40 primary schools throughout Fife, Dundee and Edinburgh to present fun and interactive sessions to encourage children to be safe near the water this summer.
The pupils not only learn key water safety advice, but they also get the opportunity to ask the lifeguards questions about their roles on the beach.
Iona Hamilton, RNLI Seasonal Lifeguard Supervisor in Scotland, says: 'This spring, our RNLI lifeguards delivered beach safety messaging in over 40 schools throughout Edinburgh, Fife and Dundee.
'The sessions were a great success and involved memorable assemblies that taught key beach safety messaging. The young people were taught the importance of swimming between the flags at a lifeguarded beach and how to Float to Live if they get into difficulty in the water.
'Here at the RNLI, we believe that educating children is a fundamental part of prevention work, as the more young people that receive water safety messages, the more lives that can be saved in the future.'
The RNLI offer free visits from a RNLI water safety volunteer. You can find more information here. https://rnli.org/youth-education/educational-visits
The RNLI is encouraging everyone visiting the beach to adhere to the following advice to keep themselves and their families safe.
· Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
· Check the weather forecast, tide times, and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE – fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
· In an emergency dial 999/112 and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI Media Contacts
Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [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.
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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.