BANGOR was the venue for the launch of a new partnership between the RNLI and Girlguiding in Ulster to teach young girls to stay safe in and around water.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, an event was held at Bangor lifeboat station on Saturday to mark the official rolloutofthenewwatersafetyeducation resource for all age groups within Girlguiding.
A group of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers met RNLI volunteers, received a tour of the station, and learned how the lifeboat crew respond when they are alerted to an emergency at sea.
The new resource, which is aptly titled ‘Mayday’ to reflect the internationally recognised distress signal, will see thousands of girls across Northern Ireland learn four key lifesaving messages in their Girlguiding units.
Upon completion, members will be awarded a special ‘Mayday’ badge.
Killian O’Kelly, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager, said it is always a privilege to have the opportunity to promote water safety and to deliver key drowning prevention messages, especially to new audiences.
“We know that educating young people about water safety is fundamental to saving lives and is a core part of the RNLI’s prevention work,” he said.
“Reaching more young people with our water safety messages means we are collaborativelyworkingtosavemorelives now and in the future.”
Debbie McDowell, Girlguiding Ulster Chief Commissioner said the body is excited to be launching a new partnership with the RNLI.
“Whether it is at the coast or inland, our young members regularly take part in activities on or near the water,” she said.
“We are delighted that they will now be able to benefit from taking part in lots of activities to deepen their understanding in the area of water safety and our hope is that they will also share their newly found knowledge with others.”
