RNLI shares vital lifesaving knowledge with international partner

The visit took place in the run up to International Lifeguard Appreciation Day which was on the 31 July this year.

The RNLI, who has partnered with CIPRB for over ten years, works closely with the organisation to provide insight and guidance on some of their key water safety projects in Bangladesh. This includes the SeaSafe project which provides lifeguard cover on Cox’s Bazaar, one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the country. The service has 27 lifeguards on three beaches in the area, running 365 days a year. Since the service was created, there hasn't been any drownings in the lifeguarded areas. CIPRB came to visit the RNLI to take on more lifesaving learnings and share knowledge.

Whilst on the trip, CIPRB spent time at the RNLI’s central support centre in Poole. CIPRB were able to experience the RNLI’s sea survival pool which can mimic waves and stormy weather. The training in the pool focused on how to deliver Float to Live advice and gave them the opportunity to practise the lifesaving skill. The simple advice, which should be followed if you get into trouble in the water, is a technique that CIPRB’s SeaSafe team can use in Bangladesh and share widely.

The team also spent time in London engaging with key stakeholders in the British Bangladeshi community. They went on to meet lifeguards on service in Norfolk to learn about how the RNLI lifeguard service is managed and how lifeguards are trained before and during the season.

The lifeguard visit coincided with International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, which the RNLI marked by recognising the dedication, professionalism and lifesaving impact of RNLI lifeguards who help keep millions of beach visitors safe each year.

Darren Williams, International Programme Manager at the RNLI said: ‘Partnerships are at the heart of our international work, and our relationship with CIPRB over the last decade has demonstrated how sharing knowledge and expertise can help prevent drowning and save lives.

'It has been a pleasure to welcome the team to the UK and exchange ideas, learn from one another and celebrate the vital role lifeguards play in keeping people safe around the water. We hope the lessons and experiences from the visit will support CIPRB's continued lifesaving work in Bangladesh for years to come as they continue to work closely with their government to expand their drowning prevention work.’

‘It was apt that the visit took place during International Lifeguard Appreciation Day this year whilst the team were visiting a RNLI Lifeguarded beach. There were a lot of learnings taken from it.’

Imteaz Ahmed from CIPRB said: ‘We were delighted to visit the RNLI and learn more about its world-leading approach to drowning prevention, water safety and lifeguard services. Over the past decade, the RNLI has been a valued partner, providing technical expertise and support that has helped strengthen our programmes in Bangladesh.