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Two RNLI presenters are giving a water safety talk to children at an infant school. There's a roller banner behind them showing safety tips like floating and calling 999 or 112 for help.

Education

Teach the children in your classroom or youth group how to stay safe in, on and around the water, using our free educational resources or by booking a visit.

Educating children and young people about water safety is fundamental to saving lives at sea and a core part of our prevention work. With your support, we want to ensure young people in your community learn vital water safety messages, helping to keep them safe now and in the future. As a teacher, tutor or youth leader, you really can make a lifesaving difference.

Education resources

Take a look at our wide range of educational materials and lesson plans for young people of all ages. From ages 3-18, all materials are curriculum linked and tailored for every age group covering a variety of different subjects. You can download, print and share them to help teach the young people in your care how to stay safe in, on and around water.

School children running through a school hall with a lifeguard.

Educational visits

The RNLI saves lives at sea. But beyond the work of our Lifeboats and Lifeguards we're an active part of the community too. Learn more about our range of outreach workshops and sessions available to educate and inform young people about how to be safe – in, on or around the water.

A young man is fully clothed in the open water. His face is above the water, looking up to the sky, and his arms and legs are stretched out, gently moving to help him stay afloat.

Float to Live

If you get in trouble in the water – Float to Live. Lean back, extend your arms and legs and control your breathing. Then call for help. Share this skill with friends and family – it could save their life.

Two young children in a classroom are completing a colourful RNLI worksheet together.

Nathan Williams

Activity sheets and posters

We have a variety of different downloadable materials to educate and entertain. From quizzes and games to colouring-in sheets, there’s all sorts of activities to choose from. Not only are they fun, they contain important water safety advice too, so children will learn something they can use outside of the classroom.

Explore our education resources

Teaching pack.
Education resources
Use our free, downloadable lesson plans, activities and resources to teach young people how to be safe in, on and around the water, and what to do if anything goes wrong.
Take a look
School children running through a school hall with a lifeguard.
Educational visits
There's nothing like meeting our volunteers and lifesavers to inspire young minds.
How to book
A young black man attentively watches an RNLI training session in a classroom at the University of Portsmouth.
Young Adults Programme
Find out about the RNLI’s free course that helps students develop transferable skills and water safety awareness as they transition from education to work.
View the programme
Two young children in a classroom are completing a colourful RNLI worksheet together.
Activity sheets and posters
Discover the world of the RNLI and explore how to stay safe near the water with our free posters, activity sheets and line drawings to colour in.
Find an activity
Members of the youth education team
Water Safety education enquiries
Got a question, feedback or need some help? Our Water Safety Support Team is here to help.
Get in touch
Cardigan Crew Member and Mechanic Sarah Morgan working on a D class lifeboat outboard engine in a workshop
Women in Engineering
Engineering is at the very heart of what we do at the RNLI. That’s why it’s crucial we inspire the next generation to consider careers within engineering. 
Learn more
Fill your boots logo
Fill your boots fundraising
Fill your Boots is a fun way for schools and youth groups to raise funds for the RNLI.
Get involved
Swim Safe programme taking place at Spring Lakes, Long Eaton.
Swim Safe
Find out about free summer Swim Safe sessions for children aged 7-14 years with the RNLI and Swim England.
Learn more