Donate now

New video game by the RNLI gives kids lifesaving introduction

Lifeboats News Release

After 200 years of saving lives at sea, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is inspiring a new generation with Storm Force Rescue: a free-to-download mobile game where young players can launch to the rescue and learn safety tips.

Inspired by the lifesaving work of the RNLI, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in March, Storm Force Rescue is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Children can choose from five characters and tackle a variety of challenging rescue missions – each with a special water safety tip that will help kids stay safe in and around the water.

Just like the charity’s lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews, players can use rescue boards, waterjet-propelled rescue craft, and three types of lifeboat to answer the call for help. Boasting colourful 3D graphics, gameplay includes collectible tasks and increasingly tough conditions, from rip currents and rocks to wailing winds and big waves.

RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, Sam Johnson, said:

‘This is such a fun, rewarding video game and we know children will love getting to grips with the RNLI’s cool equipment and racing to the rescue.

‘At a time when phones and video games have become a central part of so many children and young people’s lives, it is important that the RNLI has a presence so that we can share advice that could one day keep them safe in and around the water. And as we go into our third century, we also need to inspire a new generation of supporters and lifesavers. Who knows, perhaps some of the young players of this game will go on to be our lifeguards and lifeboat crew members in the future!’

The game was made possible thanks to the RNLI’s 200 club, who have funded the charity’s 200th Anniversary activities and are helping to inspire the next generation of supporters and volunteers. It was developed in partnership with the RNLI by Amuzo Games.

Nick Roberts, Head of Studio at Amuzo Games said:

‘It’s been such a pleasure to develop this game alongside the RNLI. The charity already had a great youth brand to work with – as well as their amazing real-life kit and lifeboats, which we have loved bringing to life. It’s an example of the positive things that can be done with videogames.

'There are no guns or violence in Storm Force Rescue – it’s all about lifesaving. We’re so proud to have worked on a game that promotes an incredible charity and shares safety tips with children.'

The RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved 146,277 lives since the charity was founded two centuries ago in 1824. As well as operating a lifeboat service around the UK and Ireland, the RNLI provides seasonal lifeguard patrols on UK and Channel Islands beaches. The RNLI also saves lives through water safety campaigns and education work.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

  • Storm Force rescue is a free-to-download game with no in-app purchases and is suitable for children aged 4+. Download on Google Play or Apple App Store or visit: RNLI.org/StormForceRescue

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Ellie Wainwright, RNLI Media Communications Placement, on [email protected] or 07854513319 Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202336789.

RNLI online

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

RNLI/Amuzo Games

RNLI/Amuzo Games

RNLI/Amuzo Games

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.