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Looking for a half-term adventure? Come to the RNLI Experience at Barry Island

Lifeboats News Release

If you’re searching for something exciting to do next week at half-term, look no further than the RNLI Experience on the prom at Barry Island. It’s the perfect mix of fun and education, offering a couple of hours of adventure – and the best part? It’s completely free!

A photo of the RNLI yellow wellie with 3 children smiling

RNLI

The RNLI Experience is right next to the yellow wellie!

What can you expect?

Step into the world of the volunteer lifeboat crew as the kids climb aboard a D class inshore lifeboat and experience what it’s like to be part of the RNLI crew. They’ll hear stories of rescues from the amazing volunteers while playing interactive games that teach them how to stay safe in the water.

Fun for all ages

With hands-on activities like racing to kit up a lifeboat crew member for an emergency launch, kids (and grown-ups!) will learn all about the challenges of the waters around Barry Island and beyond. It’s a brilliant way to discover the importance of water safety while having a great time!

And there’s more!

After all the fun, pop into the RNLI shop for some treats – from toys and clothing to homeware and snacks. Every penny spent goes towards saving lives at sea.

This half-term, make the most of your beach trip by visiting the RNLI Experience at Barry Island – We’re right by Whitmore beach and the big yellow wellies. It’s a free, fun-filled adventure the kids will love!

Notes to Editors

  • The RNLI Experience at Barry Island was the first ever dedicated lifesaving information centre in the UK and one of only three across the country.

  • Opening hours: The RNLI Experience is open daily throughout the half-term, from 10am – 3pm and is staffed by knowledgeable RNLI volunteers.

  • Educational aspect: The RNLI Experience provides key water safety information that aligns with the RNLI’s "Float to Live" message, helping children and adults alike to stay safe when enjoying the water.

  • Local involvement: The experience is part of the wider RNLI outreach effort in the Vale of Glamorgan, engaging local schools, community groups, and holiday visitors in water safety awareness.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Photo of two volunteers with their heads poking through an image of a person in full volunteer kit

RNLI

Come and see what you look like in volunteer crew kit
A photo of the outside of the RNLI Experience

RNLI

The RNLI Experience - come and see what's going on.

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.