Starfish saves lives: Hastings pupils learn RNLI Float to Live message

During the visit, 54 pupils, their teachers, and helpers were welcomed by volunteer guides and given an insight into the lifesaving work carried out by the station’s crew. The group was able to view both of the station’s lifeboats, the Shannon all-weather lifeboat from the viewing gantry, and the D-class inshore lifeboat from outside the boathouse.

A key focus of the visit was the RNLI’s vital water safety message: Float to Live. The children were shown how to lie on their backs and ‘float like a starfish’ spreading their arms and legs, relaxing and controlling their breathing – if they ever find themselves in difficulty in the water.

The RNLI’s Float to Live message has saved countless lives and helps people buy time until help arrives or they can reach safety. The pupils quickly understood that by remembering and sharing this advice, they too can help save lives.

Willow, aged eight, said: 'If you are ever in danger, remember starfish can help you.'

Grace, aged nine, added: 'We can help save people’s lives by telling them to be a starfish and to relax.'

The volunteer guides at Hastings RNLI were delighted with how well the message was received, and commented, 'The young people were incredibly engaged throughout the visit. Teaching the Float to Live message is so important, and it was great to see how clearly they understood it and how confident they were in sharing it with others.'

The visit formed part of Hastings RNLI’s station visits programme, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the charity’s work, its volunteers, and essential water safety advice.

As the group prepared to leave, one final comment from nine-year-old Eden captured the spirit of the day and the impact of the volunteers’ work: 'It means everything to be here.'