Fourth H2O Heroes event strengthens partnership between RNLI and The Deep
The unmissable H2O Heroes water safety event kicks off for its fourth consecutive year at The Deep this May half-term between 23 and 31 May 2026.
Within The Deep’s visually impressive landmark centre, the H2O Heroes family event will witness an exciting collaboration between six maritime safety organisations alongside the Humber Estuary.
Timed to coincide perfectly with the start of peak season on beaches as temperatures rise, the H2O Heroes event facilitates crucial safety messaging ahead of the public flocking to the UK coast. Event attendees can be coached by the RNLI on how to self-rescue should they ever find themselves in difficulty in the water using the charity’s renowned Float to Live technique.
Joining the RNLI at H2O Heroes are HM Coastguard, Humber Rescue, Humberside Police Marine Protect Unit, Hornsea Inshore Rescue and Humberside Fire & Rescue. Members of the public can interact with all of these organisations on their incredible work to save lives at sea as well as ask about water safety and gain inspiration on first response careers.
Over the nine-day event, the RNLI will host activities relating to their lifesaving Float to Live campaign as well as offering water safety advice. Stormy Stan - the RNLI mascot - will also be in attendance, offering lifeboat dress-up kit and a small inflatable lifeboat for picture opportunities.
Visitor numbers to H2O Heroes at The Deep have swollen from 15,000 in 2023 to over 20,000 last May. Visitor numbers are predicted to be higher still this year.
H2O Heroes runs each day 10am and 5pm between 23 and 31 May with kit dress up, outdoor vehicle and boat displays, hands-on activities, and daily presentations. The event is included in standard admission, with each paid ticket serving as an annual pass to The Deep afterwards.
John Andrews, Head of Operations & Guides at The Deep, said: ‘H2O Heroes wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing rescue organisations, and we are immensely grateful to all for dedicating their time towards what is shaping up to be a hugely exciting event for visitors.’
Liam Fayle-Parr, RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support, said: ‘We’re really looking forward to meeting families at The Deep and sharing simple, lifesaving messages - like how floating on your back can help if you find yourself in difficulty in the water, and the importance of calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard if someone is in trouble. It is also a great opportunity for people to have fun, dress up as lifeboat crew and learn about water safety in an engaging, memorable way. We’re excited and grateful to be working with The Deep for a fourth year running.’
· If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Find out how here: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
· In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
· For RNLI safety advice, visit rnli.org/safety
· The press is invited to attend for photo call and interview opportunities between 9-10am on Saturday 23 May at The Deep in Hull. This will take place before the 2026 H2O Heroes event opens to the public.
· Throughout 2026, the RNLI is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the lifeguarding service.
· The H2O Heroes event aims to educate on water safety ahead of the peak summer months on the UK coast.
· The RNLI has recently launched its 2026 Float to Live campaign.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please email Gillian Carmoodie at [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.