The BSA visits Gravesend RNLI for tour and water rescue training
The Black Swimming Association visited the Gravesend RNLI Lifeboat Station recently as part of the Medway Water Safety Programme.
The visit included a tour inside the Lifeboat Station, a full explanation of operations and the jobs that Gravesend RNLI are tasked with by HM Coastguard.
Gravesend RNLI Volunteers then held water rescue training with ropes and throw bags at Royal Terrace Pier.
RNLI Thames Commander David Greenfield said, ‘It was an absolute pleasure to meet the group and show them what we do, giving them water safety advice and rescue techniques may hopefully have given the boys the skills to advise others on respecting the water or even help rescue someone in need.’
The RNLI are thrilled to be partners with the Black Swimming Association - to reach as many people as possible of African, Caribbean and Asian heritage in the UK and Ireland with vital water safety messaging; these communities are known to be particularly at risk of accidental drownings.
More information on the partnership can be found here:
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Ashley Bard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Gravesend RNLI on 07557 157 587 or email [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (London and South East), on 07785 296 252 or email [email protected]
Julie Rainey, Regional Media Manager (South East), on 07827 358 256 or email
[email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.