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South west schools welcome back the RNLI’s ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme

Lifeguards News Release

Over the next three weeks, from Tuesday 16 April to Friday 3 May, primary schools across the south west will be visited by RNLI lifeguards who will educate young children on important beach safety information ahead of the summer season.

RNLI/Archie Connolly

Last year, 322 schools across Devon and Cornwall received a lifeguard talk and this year the programme is even bigger with lifeguards delivering talks to over 450 schools across the south west and the Channel Islands.

The sessions are 40 minutes and delivered by trained lifeguards, and children will learn the importance of swimming at a lifeguarded beach, what the different flags mean, how to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water, how to spot and escape a rip current and what to do in an emergency.  

School children will also have the opportunity to ask questions, see some of the equipment used by the RNLI lifeguards, learn more about their role and identify the safety signage used at beaches.  

Tim Treloar, Water Safety Education Manager for the south west said: 

‘Our lifeguards are really excited to return to schools this year. This programme is incredibly important leading up to the summer season where we see so many families travel to our wonderful beaches. It encourages families to plan their visit and always choose a lifeguarded beach. 

‘We teach the the children about how to Float to Live, the risks in and around the water and how to seek help in an emergency. Our aim is to increase young children's awareness of the potential dangers around the coast, being aware of the weather conditions, tides and having the ability to identify beach flags.’ 

More information about the RNLI’s education for young people can be found here: RNLI Education Resources For Young People

The RNLI is urging anybody choosing to visit the coast to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by adhering to the following beach safety advice: 

· 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 

Notes to Editors

  • The RNLI’s lifeguards work with the RNLI’s Water Safety Education team to provide school talks to as many primary schools as they can across the south west.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Archie Connolly, Media Engagement Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

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.