RNLI Meet the Lifeguards programme returns to schools in the North West

The Meet the Lifeguards programme returned to schools in the Wirral and Chester area earlier this spring. The RNLI lifeguards spoke to 7,030 children across 37 primary schools in the area.

The RNLI want everyone to enjoy the coast, but to do so safely. RNLI beach lifeguards delivered water and beach safety information to the children, in preparation for the summer holidays.

The presentation includes four main safety points for the children to consider when visiting the coast.

· Stop and think

· Stay together

· Float to Live

· Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard

Anthony Jones RNLI Water Safety Education Manager said:

‘Our lifeguards thoroughly enjoyed heading back to schools to deliver the Meet the Lifeguard talks. The 45-minute sessions are a great way for the RNLI to deliver our key safety messages to young people ahead of the summer season.

‘The children are taught how to safely prepare for a trip to the coast, by encouraging them and their families to always visit a lifeguarded beach. The children are taught where is and isn’t safe to swim and how to identify risks in and around the water.

‘Lifeguards teach the importance of always staying together and never visiting the beach alone. The lifeguards demonstrate how to float to live – what to do if you find yourself in trouble in the water, and to call 999 or 112 in the case of an emergency at the beach.

‘These interactive sessions are a great way for children to learn how to stay safe at the beach, to familiarise themselves with the purpose of our flags and to encourage the children to share their knowledge with their friends and families.’

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach visit: Lifeguarded Beaches - Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org)

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively please contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.

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.