Student volunteers with Bridlington RNLI through Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme

Aleaha, from Bridlington, joined the station during summer 2026 as part of the RNLI's Youth Activity Scheme, a pilot initiative developed to support young people who are already enrolled on programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Bridlington RNLI is proud to be one of only a small number of stations in the North East region taking part in the scheme.

The RNLI Youth Activity Schemes has been designed to provide meaningful volunteering opportunities, allowing young people to gain valuable experience while supporting their local lifeboat station. While the RNLI is not responsible for delivering the Duke of Edinburgh Award itself, the scheme enables participants to complete their volunteering requirement whilst gaining an insight into the RNLI's lifesaving activities and community work.

Aleaha is working towards her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award through her school. Established by the late Prince Philip in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh Award encourages young people aged 14 to 24 to develop life skills through volunteering, physical activity and expeditions. The programme marks its 70th anniversary in 2026, with Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, continuing as Patron.

Steve Clarke, RNLI Youth Activity Schemes Lead at Bridlington RNLI, said,

‘The Youth Activity Schemes provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop new skills, build confidence and make a positive contribution within their community.

We are delighted to welcome Aleaha to Bridlington RNLI and support her as she works towards achieving her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Through the scheme, she will gain a greater understanding of the RNLI's lifesaving work whilst becoming part of our station community. As we continue to develop the programme, we hope to provide similar opportunities for more young people from across the local area’.

Aleaha added, ‘ I am really enjoying my time and experience at the RNLI and all those connected are making me feel exceptionally welcome'.

The initiative forms part of the RNLI's commitment to engaging with young people, strengthening community connections and inspiring the next generation of volunteers through education, teamwork and lifesaving awareness.

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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael Milner, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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