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Royal National Lifeboat Institution
The RNLI saves lives, over 137,000 since 1824, and over 8,000 in 2005. But those are only the ones who got into trouble. The number of lives saved by keeping them out of danger in the first place is unknowable, but probably vast. Because not only does the RNLI send out lifeboats at all hours and in all conditions, it also runs a comprehensive education programme, with young people a significant target. Working with schools is thus an integral and vital part of what they do, and if you have come across the RNLI in any of its other activities, you will not be surprised to find that they are very good at it.
Their comprehensive education programme focuses on their lifesaving work as a charity and on sea and beach safety. They have planned all their services and products, which are free to all organisations working with young people between the ages of 4 and 18, with learning and teaching needs in mind.
The RNLI’s education site has a wealth of resources for both Primary and Secondary school teachers, frominteractive whiteboard activities to a virtual tour of a lifeboat. The Shorething site is specifically designed to support teachers of Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 children. It suits a range of learning styles and is a popular learning tool for young people. The range of games and activities help the RNLI teach young people about what they do and how to stay safe at sea, and support the teaching of a range of subject areas, including English, Science, D & T and many more. You have to see www.rnli.org.uk/shorething to appreciate the range and quality of the material on offer.
The RNLI also provide interactive presentations by an experienced speaker at schools or clubs, or at the beach if this is appropriate. Topics can include sea and beach safety, how lifeboat rescues work, the history of the RNLI, the work of a charity, volunteering and much more.
The RNLI welcomes visits to their lifeboat stations where you can see how it is run, look at the lifeboat and hear some rescue stories from one of the crew. Go to www.rnli.org.uk/shorething/Adults/Services/Visits for details.
The RNLI's museums bring alive the RNLI's long and exciting history to schools or youth groups (and adults will find much of interest too). Lifeboat museums include:
- Grace Darling Museum, Banburgh, Northumberland
- Henry Blogg Museum, The Gangway, Cromer, Norfolk
- RNLI Whitby Museum, Pier Road, Whitby
- RNLI Chatham Museum, Chatham, Kent
- RNLI Zetland Museum, The Esplanade, Redcar, Cleveland
Email heritage@rnli.org.uk to book museum visits.
Contact:
Lisa Linscott
Education Manager
RNLI HQ
West Quay Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ
T: 01202 663217