A Vital Visit from the RNLI

This afternoon, we were lucky enough to welcome two brilliant RNLI volunteers who led an engaging and highly informative workshop all about water safety. With the current weather conditions, recent flooding, and our close proximity to the coast, the timing couldn’t have been better to explore how to make smart and potentially lifesaving, decisions near water.

The session covered a wide range of topics, from the vital roles of lifeguards and coastguards to the all-important question of who to call if we ever spot someone in trouble (a detail many adults still have to think twice about!). Children learned about rip currents, hidden dangers in the water and how beach flags quietly do a lot of talking if you know how to listen to them.

One highlight was learning the “floating star” position - a simple but powerful technique that helps prevent panic and buys precious time until help arrives. The children practised it enthusiastically, discovering that staying calm and floating like a starfish can be both lifesaving and slightly entertaining.

The workshop was wonderfully interactive, with plenty of opportunities for the children to step into the role of lifeguards, make quick decisions, and work through realistic scenarios. There was lots of thoughtful discussion, some excellent problem-solving and a clear message throughout: water can be great fun, but it deserves respect - and it’s always safer when you’re with others.

A huge thank you to Richard and Hilary for delivering such an engaging, informative and important session. Living so close to the sea, these are lessons that could truly make a difference - and they were shared in a way the children will remember long after the tide goes out.