RNLI Careers and Safety

This morning we were lucky enough to have a visit from our local lifeguards.

They talked about their roles in keeping people safe along the coast. The Royal National Lifeboat Institute is funded completely by charity donations and has existed for 199 years!

On the Wirral, we have three lifeboat stations at New Brighton, Hoylake, and West Kirby, as well as six lifeguard stations.

Laurence modelled the red and yellow uniform we should be looking out for if we need help on the coast, and we learned the meanings of the flags:

RNLI FLAG = lifeguards on duty

BLACK AND WHITE FLAGS = surfing/craft area

RED FLAG = no swimming

ORANGE WINDSOCK = no inflatables 

RED AND YELLOW FLAG = swimming area

Heidi showed us what we need to do if we fall in, and what we do if we end up in a rip current:

Rip currents look like calm water but has a powerful pull out to sea.

Don't panic;

lie back in a starfish shape;

shout for help;

try to move out of the current sideways - don't swim against it.

Patrick made an heroic rescue!