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Schoolchildren are in a classroom, working on RNLI water safety activity sheets. One child has her finger pointing upwards, asking a question.

Education resources

Nathan Williams

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.

We’ve put together a suite of teaching ideas and printable materials to help you engage young people with essential – and lifesaving – water safety lessons in schools, colleges and youth groups.

You’ll find videos, guided discussions and problem-solving activities specifically tailored for primary- and secondary-aged children, along with free printables and editable resources for your lessons.

Primary-aged children will collect virtual stamps as they learn and engage with the Water Safety Code. Older children and young adults will access the code through planning their own campaign, discussion and debate. You can also check out a range of resources on maritime heritage.

Explore our resources

Two RNLI presenters are giving a water safety talk to children at an infant school. There's a roller banner and a digital screen behind them showing safety tips like floating and calling 999 or 112 for help.
Lower primary: age 3-7

Find water safety teaching activities and learning resources for primary school pupils, including free printable worksheets, stories, and certificates to personalise.

Find an activity
Schoolchildren are looking at an illustrated 'spot the dangers at the river' activity, and pointing to dangers in the water.
Upper primary: age 7-11
Browse lesson plans and free resources for teaching water safety to older primary-aged children. From interactive session ideas to literacy skills and educational games. 
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An RNLI water safety volunteer is looking through a brightly coloured booklet with a child, showing them tips about how to stay safe.
Lower secondary: age 11-14
Teach water safety to secondary school students through quizzes, role-play and presentation tasks with our free lesson plans, printable and learning resources.
Find an activity
An RNLI water safety presenter is pointing to a television screen at the front of a classroom, showing the pupils vital water safety advice.
Upper secondary: age 14-18
Explore our comprehensive suite of water safety teaching activities and learning resources, aimed at secondary school and college learners.
Find an activity
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, printable activity sheets and line drawings to colour in.
Find an activity
a person swimming under water.
Videos
Bring the world of lifeboats and lifeguards into your classroom with our range of educational videos.
Watch our videos

Come and visit us or invite us to come and visit you - there's nothing quite like meeting RNLI volunteers and lifesavers to inspire young people.

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