Local schools join RNLI at Jubilee Pool for multi-agency water safety day

With warmer weather forecast for the south west in the coming days, the RNLI is reminding families to stay safe around the coast and to always choose a lifeguarded beach.

The event brought together children from three schools for a fun, hands‑on programme designed to build confidence in and around the water. Throughout the day, pupils rotated through activity zones where they learned how to use a lifeguard rescue board, practised throwing a rescue line, explored water safety flags and inflatables guidance, and tried the RNLI’s lifesaving ‘Float to Live’ technique — a skill that could one day save their life.

Joel Ninnes, RNLI Water Safety Officer said;

‘Educating children and young people about water safety is fundamental to saving lives at sea and a core part of our prevention work.

Giving children the opportunity to get involved and be part of the action really helps them to learn and understand. I was especially impressed with the children not so confident in the water giving it a go, it was fantastic to see them progress really quickly and wonderful to see so many star fish positions as they practiced their FLOAT technique which they now know to use to keep themselves afloat if they get into difficulty in the water.’

John Navin, Watch Manager at Penzance Fire Station was there to show how to throw a rescue line:

‘Nationally, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under, with children under the age of 5 at the highest risk. The majority of all drowning’s and near drowning’s occur between May and August. To be able to get a water safety message and practical sessions to young children, before their summer holidays, could save the lives of them or their siblings. It was also nice to pass on really useful information in such a fun environment as the Jubilee Pool, which helped keep the children fully engaged.’

Kerry Blewitt- Hill Activities and Outreach Manager at Jubilee Pool says;

‘This year marks the Jubilee Pool’s 91st year and it’s been fantastic to collaborate with the RNLI and Cornwall Fire and Rescue service to deliver important water safety skills to local school children. The activities were engaging and fun - it was clear to see the enjoyment on everyone’s faces! If they enjoy it, they will remember the lessons learned.’

Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) also attended the event, delivering water safety messages, drawing on their Splash School education programme for schools.

George Haynes, Head of Membership & Programmes for Surf Life Saving Great Britain said:

‘Surf Life Saving GB are excited to partner with the RNLI to spread vital water safety messages to children in Cornwall. Our partnership goes back over 70 years, with a proud history of Surf Life Saving GB training thousands of RNLI lifeguards every year. We look forward to continuing to work together to prevent drowning.

‘For those children and adults inspired by the day and interested in developing their lifesaving skills, confidence in the water, and knowledge of water safety, SLSGB encourages people to find their nearest surf lifesaving club. To locate a club and learn more about getting involved, visit the SLSGB website. www.slsgb.org.uk’

With temperatures beginning to rise again this week, the RNLI is urging anyone heading to the coast to:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags

• Float to Live if you get into difficulty: tilt your head back, relax, and spread your arms and legs

• Check tide times and local conditions before entering the water and if in doubt speak to the RNLI lifeguards

Notes to Editors:

• The Jubilee Pool opened in 1935 - as a safe place to learn swimming and lifesaving skills.

• 96 students attended the event from 3 different schools.

• Images show pupils learning lifesaving skill including ‘Float to Live’, rescue boards, and rescue lines.