Schools Across South West Gearing Up for Lifeguard Visits Ahead of Summer Season

Photo Credit: RNLI/Archie Connolly

In an effort to boost beach safety awareness ahead of the summer holidays, over 450 primary schools throughout the South West and the Channel Islands are preparing to welcome RNLI lifeguards for the highly anticipated ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme.

From 16 April to 3 May, trained lifeguards will engage with young students, delivering crucial safety tips and demonstrations to help them enjoy a safe summer by the sea.

Crucial Safety Lessons on the Agenda

Each 40-minute session, led by professional RNLI lifeguards, will cover essential topics such as the importance of swimming at lifeguarded beaches and understanding beach flags. Children will learn lifesaving techniques including how to “Float to Live” if they find themselves in trouble in the water, how to identify and escape rip currents, and the correct actions to take in an emergency.

Interactive Learning Experience

Tim, the Water Safety Education Manager for the region, expressed enthusiasm about the programme’s return: “Our lifeguards are really excited to return to schools this year. This programme is incredibly important leading up to the summer season where we see so many families travel to our wonderful beaches.”

Students will not only hear from the lifeguards but also get a chance to see the equipment used in rescues, engage in Q&A sessions, and familiarise themselves with safety signage found at beaches. This interactive approach aims to enhance their understanding and recall of safety practices while making the learning process enjoyable.

Planning a Safe Beach Visit

With the summer approaching, the RNLI also advises beachgoers to always choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags. Checking the weather forecast, understanding local hazard signs, and knowing the tide times are also crucial steps in ensuring a safe beach experience. Remember, if you fall into the water unexpectedly, the best survival technique is to FLOAT TO LIVE, fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float until help arrives.

In case of an emergency, calling 999/112 and asking for the Coastguard can ensure that professional help is quick to arrive.

Safety First

The expansion of the ‘Meet the Lifeguards’ programme from last year’s 322 schools to over 450 this year indicates the RNLI’s commitment to educating the community about the dangers of the coast and the importance of preparedness. As families plan their visits to the picturesque beaches of the South West, these educational sessions will equip the next generation with the knowledge to safely enjoy the beauty of the British coast.

For additional resources on beach safety and the RNLI’s educational efforts, please visit the RNLI Education Resources For Young People.