Cover photo: Nigel Millard

Transcription

1 RNLI Annual Operational Statistics Report

2 2 Cover photo: Nigel Millard

3 Foreword Welcome to the first combined annual report on RNLI rescue and prevention statistics. This report has been compiled to communicate the levels of activity undertaken by our lifeboat crews, lifeguards and Prevention and Education teams in delivering the three strands of the RNLI s concept of operations over the course of the year was our third busiest year with just under 8,300 lifeboat launches and, despite the somewhat unpredictable nature of the Summer, our lifeguards were kept busy on the beaches attending over 9,500 incidents. Our Prevention and Education teams reached a combined audience of over 425,000 adults and children, delivering key safety messages, demonstrations and education programmes. What this clearly demonstrates is the RNLI s commitment to saving lives at sea. However, none of this could be achieved without the selfless dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers, staff and, most importantly, the generosity of its supporters. Their donations allow us to deliver a service that is second to none. Thank you. Michael Vlasto Operations Director 1

4 Concept of Operations Strategic Performance Standards The RNLI saves lives at sea throughout the UK and RoI by providing a professional service comprising three core activities: a strategically located fleet of lifeboats, crewed wherever possible by volunteers a proactive lifeguard service provided mainly on a seasonal basis by a combination of paid and volunteer lifeguards a safety, education and accident prevention advisory service that underpins the RNLI s core purpose. The RNLI aims to: in all weathers, reach at least 90% of all casualties within 10 nautical miles of lifeboat stations within 30 minutes of launch and achieve an average call out from notification of 10 minutes - The performance standard achieved in 2008 was 84.4% (2007: 85.3%). - An overall average launch time of 9 minutes was achieved in 2008 (2007: 8 minutes). in all weathers, reach all notified maritime casualties where a risk to life exists, out to a maximum of 100 nautical miles - In 2008, lifeboats launched on service 8,293 times (2007: 8,175), aiding 7,612 people (2007: 7,846), and saving 288 lives (2007: 305). on designated RNLI beaches, provide a comprehensive prevention and rescue service that meets recognised international lifesaving standards - In 2008, RNLI lifeguards attended 9,536 incidents on RNLI-patrolled beaches (2007: 8,201), aided 11,027 people (2007: 9,883) and saved 49 lives (2007: 62). deliver comprehensible, straightforward safety advice that positively influences behaviour, measured against recognised benchmarks. 2

5 Contents Page Definitions 4 Lifeboat statistics overview 6 Lifeboat statistics Lifeboat statistics Lifeguard statistics overview 14 Lifeguard statistics Prevention statistics Sea Safety 21 Fishing Safety 22 Beach Safety 23 Education 24 3 Photo: Nigel Millard

6 Definitions Lifeboats Life saved where, if not for the actions of the lifeboat and/or its crew, a life would have been lost. Person landed where a lifeboat rescues a person who is at risk, but not in a life-threatening situation. Person brought in where a lifeboat rescues a person who is at very little risk, if at all, but if left would have probably been at risk later. Lifeguards Life saved where, if a lifeguard had not intervened, life would have been lost. Rescue where a lifeguard responds to a person at risk and physically returns them to shore or transfers them to another rescue craft. Assistance where a lifeguard aids a person in the sea who is at low risk but, if left, would be at risk. Major first aid where a lifeguard treats a casualty who is at risk due to sickness or injury and calls in external assistance. Minor first aid where a lifeguard treats a casualty due to sickness or injury who is at low or no risk but requires treatment to ensure a risk does not develop. Missing/found person where a lifeguard assists in the location of children separated from their parents/guardians or other persons who have been found or reported missing. Near miss where a person might have been injured by watercraft, powered or otherwise. Search an organised search with other search and rescue units for a missing person either at sea or on land; includes body recovery. Preventative action a high percentage of lifeguard activity is classed as preventative. This is recorded on daily log forms to give an indication of how often the lifeguards prevent situations developing on the beach. 4

7 Photo: Nigel Millard 5

8 Lifeboat statistics overview 2008 LIFEBOATS NUMBER LAUNCHES 8,293 LIVES SAVED 288 PEOPLE LANDED 1,624 PEOPLE BROUGHT IN 5,700 PEOPLE RESCUED (SAVED, LANDED AND BROUGHT IN) 7, was the RNLI s third busiest year in its history with 8,293 lifeboat launches YEAR 2004 RESCUE CRAFT LAUNCHES LIVES SAVED PEOPLE RESCUED (INCLUDING LIVES SAVED) ALB 2, ,331 ILB 5, ,238 IRH TOTAL 7, , ALB 2, ,632 ILB 5, ,568 IRH TOTAL 8, , ALB 2, ,343 ILB 5, ,709 IRH TOTAL 8, , ALB 2, ,296 ILB 5, ,492 IRH TOTAL 8, , ALB 2, ,319 ILB 5, ,269 IRH ALB all-weather lifeboat ILB inshore lifeboat IRH inshore rescue hovercraft 2008 TOTAL 8, ,612 6

9 Lifeboat statistics Lifeboat launches and numbers of people rescued (including lives saved) Launches 8,600 People rescued 8,450 8,467 8,400 8,293 YEAR LIVES SAVED Number of launches and people rescued 8,200 8,000 7,800 7,600 7,400 7,200 7,795 7,599 8,257 8,118 8,175 7,846 7, , Year Lifeboat launches by division Division YEAR/NUMBER OF LAUNCHES EAST 2,418 2,556 2,486 2,348 2,707 IRELAND NORTH 1,133 1,117 1,154 1,147 1,035 SCOTLAND 946 1,056 1,050 1, SOUTH 1,352 1,578 1,584 1,546 1,574 WEST 1,013 1,165 1,245 1,136 1,114 NO DIVISION (ON-PASSAGE SERVICES) TOTAL 7,795 8,450 8,467 8,175 8,293 Lifeboat launches by month ,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 Number of launches 1, Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Months The peaks reflect good weather and increased leisure activity around the coast and at sea. 7

10 Lifeboat statistics 2008 By division DIVISION NUMBER OF LIFEBOAT STATIONS NUMBER OF LIFEBOATS LAUNCHES LIVES SAVED TOTAL PEOPLE RESCUED (INCLUDING LIVES SAVED) EAST , ,203 IRELAND ,010 NORTH , SCOTLAND SOUTH , ,675 WEST , ,122 NO DIVISION (ON-PASSAGE SERVICES) N/A N/A TOTAL , ,612 Number of lifeboat launches in varying wind speeds 1,800 1,600 1,423 1,613 1,531 1,400 1,290 Number of launches 1,200 1, Hurricane (64 71) 11 Violent storm (56 63) 10 Storm (48 55) 9 Severe gale (41 47) 8 Gale (34 40) 7 Near gale (28 33) 6 Strong breeze (22 27) 5 Fresh breeze (17 21) 4 Moderate breeze (11 16) 3 Gentle breeze (7 10) 2 Light breeze (4 6) 1 Light airs (1 3) 0 Calm (<1) Wind force (speed in knots) Number of lifeboat services performed in daylight/darkness DIVISION NUMBER OF LIFEBOAT SERVICES IN DAYLIGHT DARKNESS % IN DARKNESS EAST 1,622 1, IRELAND NORTH SCOTLAND NO DIVISION (ON-PASSAGE SERVICES) SOUTH WEST TOTAL 5,196 3, (average) 8

11 Lifeboat statistics 2008 Lifeboat launch outcomes 2% Hoaxes (probable and confirmed) 3% Unsuccessful search 7% Resolved unaided 1% No service lifeboat unsuitable 60% Gave assistance 13% False alarm 14% Others assisted casualty First information received from: SOURCE NUMBER OF LAUNCHES % HM COASTGUARD 6, IRISH COAST GUARD LIFEBOAT STATION PERSONNEL CASUALTY ITSELF MEMBER OF PUBLIC POLICE COAST RADIO STATION HARBOUR MASTER ANOTHER VESSEL LOCAL MEDICAL PERSONNEL OTHER RESCUE COORDINATOR OTHER IRISH GARDA LOCAL PILOTS OFFICE CHANNEL ISLES MRCC RSPCA MOD UNITS ISLE OF MAN COASTGUARD LOCAL COASTWATCH TOTAL 8,

12 Lifeboat statistics 2008 Time to launch from receipt of first information ALB 2,500 ILB IRH Number of launches 2,000 1,500 1, Time to launch (minutes) Over 50% of launches occur within 15 minutes of receipt of the first information. Delayed launches can occur while crews await further information. Distance to casualty ALB ILB IRH 6,000 5,000 4,865 Number of launches 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,441 1, Distance (nautical miles) 0 Types of casualty 3% Commercial/MOD 5% Miscellaneous 7% Fishing vessels 9% Manual pleasurecraft 2% Unidentified/Distress <1% Aircraft 23% Sail pleasurecraft 13% Persons ashore 22% Power pleasurecraft 16% Persons in the water (Figures have been rounded to the nearest 1%.) Over 50% of lifeboat launches are to pleasurecraft. 10

13 Lifeboat statistics 2008 Launches to various casualties CASUALTY SAIL PLEASURECRAFT NUMBER OF LAUNCHES YACHT WITH AN AUXILIARY ENGINE 1, SAILING DINGHY SAILBOARD KITEBOARD SAIL YACHT (NO ENGINE) SAILING CATAMARAN WITH AUXILIARY ENGINE SAILING MULTIHULL SAILING TRAINING VESSEL POWER PLEASURECRAFT SUB-TOTAL 1, LARGE POWERBOAT WITH CABIN SMALL OPEN POWERBOAT SMALL POWERBOAT WITH CABIN LARGE OPEN POWERBOAT PERSONAL WATERCRAFT DIVING BOAT POWERED TRAINING VESSEL PERSONS IN THE WATER SUB-TOTAL 1, PERSON IN WATER PERSON MISSING BATHER PERSON FALLEN FROM JETTY DIVER PERSON FALLEN FROM CLIFF PERSON WATERSKIER SUB-TOTAL 1, PERSONS ASHORE PERSON ON MAN-MADE STRUCTURE PERSON ON SHORELINE PERSON ON ROCKS PERSON ON SANDBANK PERSON ON ISLAND PERSON ILL CLIFF CLIMBER PERSON INJURED MANUAL PLEASURECRAFT SUB-TOTAL 1, CANOE/KAYAK INFLATABLE DINGHY ROWING BOAT TENDER TO A PLEASURECRAFT SURFBOARD AIR-BED MANUAL CRAFT SUB-TOTAL % CASUALTY FISHING VESSELS NUMBER OF LAUNCHES FISHING VESSEL (SMALL) FISHING VESSEL (LARGE) ANGLING VESSEL SUB-TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS ANIMAL BODY RECOVERY MOTOR VEHICLE OBJECT VESSEL (OTHER) SAFETY BOAT RNLI LIFEBOAT LIGHTHOUSE SUB-TOTAL COMMERCIAL/MOD PASSENGER VESSEL LARGE MERCHANT VESSEL TUG/BARGE SMALL MERCHANT VESSEL SUPPORT VESSEL HARBOUR LAUNCH TANKER (LARGE) HOVERCRAFT TENDER TO A COMMERCIAL CRAFT NAVAL VESSEL MOD TENDER RIG (STANDBY) TANKER (SMALL) RIG (AFLOAT) UNIDENTIFIED/DISTRESS RIG (FIXED) SUB-TOTAL DISTRESS SIGNAL SUB-TOTAL AIRCRAFT AIRPLANE AIRCRAFT HELICOPTER SUB-TOTAL GRAND TOTAL 8, % 11

14 Lifeboat statistics 2008 Causes of lifeboat services CAUSE TOTAL % MACHINERY FAILURE 1, STRANDING OR GROUNDING PERSON IN DISTRESS PERSON IN DANGER OF DROWNING VESSEL THOUGHT TO BE IN TROUBLE VESSEL MEETING ADVERSE CONDITIONS PERSON MISSING CAPSIZE FOULED PROPELLER OR IMPELLER PERSON CUT OFF BY TIDE ILL CREWMAN VESSEL ABANDONED, DERELICT OR ADRIFT LEAKS OR SWAMPING MAN OVERBOARD PERSON STRANDED SAIL FAILURE OR DISMASTING VESSEL OVERDUE OUT OF FUEL PERSON INJURED STEERING FAILURE ANIMAL IN TROUBLE FIRE BODY RECOVERY DOCTOR OR AMBULANCE CALL NOT SPECIFIED MOTOR VEHICLE IN THE SEA CASUALTY UNSURE OF ITS POSITION VESSEL DRAGGING ITS ANCHOR PERSON SUFFERING ILLNESS COLLISION OTHER PERSON TO BE TAKEN ASHORE FROM A VESSEL PERSON IN DANGER OF BEING CARRIED AWAY BY TIDE UNEXPLODED BOMB OR MINE AIRCRAFT CRASHED AIRCRAFT THOUGHT TO BE IN TROUBLE CARGO SHIFTED FISHING GEAR SNAGGED ON UNDERWATER OBSTRUCTION FLOODING LIFEBOAT REQUESTED TO STAND BY AN AIRCRAFT TOTAL 8,

15 Photo: Nigel Millard 13

16 Lifeguard statistics overview 2008 LIFEGUARDS NUMBER INCIDENTS 9,536 LIVES SAVED 49 PEOPLE AIDED 11, NUMBER OF LIFEGUARD UNITS TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 8,001 8,613 9,411 8,201 9,536 NUMBER OF PEOPLE AIDED LIVES SAVED RESCUE ,288 1,482 ASSISTANCE 1,308 1,542 1,401 1,330 1,451 MAJOR FIRST AID MINOR FIRST AID 6,076 6,326 6,688 5,131 6,301 SEARCH NEAR MISS MISSING/FOUND OTHER TOTAL 9,041 9,930 10,448 9,883 11,027 Incidents by month ,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 Number of incidents 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1, Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Months 14

17 Lifeguard statistics 2008 Preventative actions DIVISION NUMBER OF LIFEGUARD UNITS NUMBER OF PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS CARRIED OUT BY LIFEGUARDS EAST 8 22,059 SOUTH ,733 WEST 13 88,583 TOTAL ,375 Incident coordination 0.03% Other 0.08% RNLI inshore lifeboat 0.13% Fire 0.17% SAR helicopter 0.17% Police 0.17% Public 1.65% Ambulance 95.7% Lifeguard 1.9% Coastguard Rescue equipment used EQUIPMENT TOTAL % OF TOTAL RESCUE BOARD FIRST AID EQUIPMENT INSHORE RESCUE BOAT RESCUE TUBE RESCUE WATERCRAFT FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE NONE ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (QUAD BIKE) OTHER MOUNTAIN BIKE CANOE/SURF SKI PUBLIC RESCUE EQUIPMENT FIRE EXTINGUISHER TOTAL 2,

18 Lifeguard statistics 2008 Incidents and people aided by division Casualty activity DIVISION/LIFEGUARD AREA LIFEGUARD UNITS INCIDENTS LIVES SAVED PEOPLE AIDED (INCLUDING LIVES SAVED) EAST SOUTH 89 8, ,802 WEST TOTAL 110 9, , Number of incidents Bodyboarding Swimming Surfing Walking Inflatables Passive recreation Other Kitesurfing Kayaking Climbing Windsurfing Not known Powered craft Skimboarding Sailing Playing Fishing Cycling Activity N/A Running Rock pooling Canoeing Football Flying kite Tombstoning Paddling Sub-aqua Jetskiing Dinghy sailing Snorkelling Trampoline Pedalo Waterskiing Environmental causes of incidents 1,200 1,000 Number of incidents Water quality Hazchem N/A Cliff fall/landslip Unsafe beach access Estuarial currents Tidal cut-off Littoral currents Sandbars/sandbanks High seas/heavy surf Surging waves Plunging/dumping waves Offshore winds Undertow Strong winds Rip currents Environmental cause 16

19 Lifeguard statistics 2008 Types of incidents Major first aid primary complaint PRIMARY COMPLAINT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS % OF TOTAL PAIN LACERATION, ABRASION, HAEMORRHAGE SWELLING, SPRAIN, CONTUSION DISLOCATION FRACTURE OTHER (INCLUDING BURNS, HYPOTHERMIA, NOSE BLEEDS) SPINAL INJURY HEART-RELATED EPILEPTIC COLLAPSE, DIZZINESS, FAINT, UNCONSCIOUS, TRIP ASTHMA ATTACK ALLERGIC REACTION/STING SUSPECT ALCOHOL/DRUG-RELATED UNKNOWN FITTING HEAT EXHAUSTION TOTAL Major first aid treatment TREATMENT NUMBER OF CASUALTIES TREATED % OF TOTAL REASSURANCE REST O 2 THERAPY WARMED ICE APPLIED CLEANED DRESSING APPLIED RAISED LEGS SPINAL LONGBOARD/COLLARS WARMED, RESTED AND REASSURED BAG AND MASK COOLED OTHER PLASTER CLEANED AND DRESSED AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR NONE MANUAL SUCTION COLD WATER TOTAL 2, (Please note that one casualty may require several types of treatment.) 17

20 Lifeguard statistics 2008 Casualty handover (major first aid) The chart shows the agency to whom casualties were handed over for all major first aid incidents in % Air ambulance 10% No further action 61% Land ambulance 20% Advised to attend doctor Minor first aid complaint 62.7% of all people aided by lifeguards required medical treatment. Weever fish/jellyfish stings continue to be the biggest cause for lifeguards to provide first aid to beach users, which is in keeping with previous years. COMPLAINT NUMBER OF PEOPLE TREATED % OF TOTAL WEEVER FISH/JELLYFISH 2, SMALL CUT, ABRASION, LACERATION 2, SPRAIN/STRAIN WASP/BEE STING SAND IN EYES OTHER/NOT KNOWN BREAK/LOSS OF NAIL/STUBBED TOE CONTUSION/BRUISE BUMP TO HEAD MINOR PUNCTURE SPLINTER NOSEBLEED RASH, BLISTER BURN UNKNOWN STING DISLOCATION SKIN IRRITATION DOG BITE DIABETIC HEAT RASH ASTHMA ATTACK TOTAL 6,

21 Lifeguard statistics 2008 Minor first aid treatment TREATMENT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS % OF TOTAL HOT WATER 2, CLEANED AND DRESSED 1, ICE APPLIED CLEANED PLASTER APPLIED NOT KNOWN OTHER DRESSING APPLIED EYE WASH COLD WATER ADVICE GIVEN WARMED COOLED RICE REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, ELEVATION NO TREATMENT GIVEN O 2 THERAPY REASSURANCE REST AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR CREAM APPLIED SPINAL LONGBOARD/COLLARS WARMED, RESTED AND REASSURED SHADE TOTAL 6, Missing/found (age ranges) In 2008, the 2 9 years age group accounted for 76% of all those reported as missing/found. In all age groups, more boys/men than girls/women were reported as missing/found. In the and 18+ years age groups, 75% of those missing/found were boys/men. 3% 18+ years 3% years 16% years 32% 6 9 years 2% 0 1 years 44% 2 5 years 19

22 20 Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick

23 Prevention statistics 2008 Sea Safety Direct audience interaction The main 2008 activity, reaching target audiences with appropriate safety messages, was conducted through the Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer (LSSO) network. NUMBER Lifeboat Sea Safety officers 102 Sea Safety volunteers 523 Sea Checks 1,055 Leisure marine roadshows 3 Safety equipment rigid inflatable (RIB) demonstrator 1 Roadshow events attended 91 Roadshows, presentations and demonstrations Roadshows, presentations AND demonstrations Individual advice NUMBER OF ATTENDEES Roadshows (including RIB) 3,863 Lifejacket presentations 6,324 Lifejacket demonstrations 6,080 Flare presentations 2,625 Flare demonstrations 2,089 Communications presentations 833 General 14,110 TOTAL 35,924 Advice NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GIVEN INDIVIDUAL ADVICE LIFEJACKET 14,592 Engine 4,438 Communications 6,160 Information ashore 4,017 Weather and tides 5,438 Training 4,703 General 7,011 TOTAL 46,359 Indirect audience interaction Lifejacket campaign The lifejacket campaign, started in 2007, is now a wellestablished, highly recognised and much-supported campaign. The campaign sub-strapline Useless unless worn is now being adopted by the lifejacket manufacturing industry, which is lending its support to the campaign. The RNLI is now being recognised as the leading advocate in all aspects of the wearing of lifejackets. Sea Safety guides Following the October 2008 launch of the RNLI s Slipway Signage and Symbols Guide and the distribution (up to March 2009) of over 800 copies, research will be carried out to determine how effective the take-up is and the level of conformity with the signage. The RNLI is also working towards developing a full sign design and symbology standard with a view to it becoming an International Standard. Over 260,000 copies of Sea Safety: The Complete Guide have been distributed and research has shown that 44% of key target audiences have changed their safety behaviour as a result of receiving sea safety information. Recreational boaters are beginning to change their attitudes and behaviours and are, as importantly, recognising the RNLI s position of authority. Strategic partnerships A significant strand of the strategy is to engage with and influence other organisations involved in maritime safety. To this end the RNLI has been instrumental in influencing some significant developments with other organisations, including working with the MCA and securing a change in stance from the RYA towards promoting the wearing of lifejackets at all times. A significant sector of the marine community that carries influence with the boating community is the magazine and publications sector. Due to its relevance and authority the RNLI is recognised as a desirable organisation to feature. The RNLI is also represented on: three British Standards committees: - Safety signs and symbols - Small craft - Personal protection equipment (lifejackets) Maritime Radio Spectrum Users Group National Standards Authority of Ireland Marine Safety Working Group Ireland National Water Safety Forum UK Safety of Navigation Committee UK SAR Committee. The RNLI also chairs the: Sea Advisory Group British Diving Safety Group. 21

24 Prevention statistics 2008 Fishing Safety MOB Guardian units In 2008, the fishing safety team primarily focused on the promotion and support of MOB Guardian, which has been commercially available since the beginning of Over 200 fishing vessels have been fitted with the system, which has already helped to save the lives of five fishermen. PROGRAMME NUMBER MOB Guardian units fitted 229 fishermen s lives saved/rescued 5 In addition, research also showed: Source: Prescient and RNLI research fishermen... % WHO CANNOT THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE THE RNLI SHOULD BE DOING FOR THE INDUSTRY 76 WHO SPONTANEOUSLY PRAISED FISHING SAFETY FOR DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB 17 who use the rnli as a primary source of safety information who use the rnli as a secondary source of safety information 17 (third out of six sources) 54 (first out of six sources) who claim to wear lifejackets most/all of the time 42 Liferafts Lifejackets and buoyancy aids Liferafts are one of our most important safety issues. Following submersion trials of a range of liferafts used voluntarily on small fishing vessels, a number of issues were identified regarding the effectiveness of the performance of some equipment. As a result, two cross-industry groups have been established to review and improve liferaft standards/performance and servicing arrangements. The RNLI will continue to play a prominent role in both groups. Lifejackets and buoyancy aids remain critical issues in saving fishermen s lives. The team continues to provide guidance on selecting a personal flotation device that is suitable for the individual method of fishing (potting and trawling), and two leaflets have been produced and distributed. PROGRAMME NUMBER fishermen involved in the LIFEjacket project who now wear lifejackets most/all the time 900% increase from 2007 lifejacket and buoyancy aid leaflets distributed 6,500 Fishing Federation Yearbook CD Fishing vessels are required to carry safety documents onboard for reference. This CD provides all mandatory and voluntary documents in one place in order to fulfil the mandatory requirement and provide the most up-to-date reference and guidance. PROGRAMME NUMBER federation yearbook cds distributed 6,500 Industry liaison None of the above initiatives would be successful without close liaison with industry. The RNLI plays a prominent role in a number of cross-industry groups and committees, and all relevant stakeholder agencies and organisations are closely involved in the production of new safety materials. 22

25 Beach Safety Prevention statistics 2008 Beach Safety schemes and events Programmes Meet the lifeguards is one of our most important community education programmes. Every year RNLI lifeguards across the country deliver comprehensive presentations to thousands of young people. These presentations occur in schools and clubs or during visits to the beach. Lifeskills and Crucial crew events are run by a number of national and regional agencies where RNLI lifeguards and Education staff and volunteers deliver vital safety messages to primary-aged school children (see Education section for detailed statistics). Beach to city is delivered at inner city locations, aimed at educating 7 11-year-old children, who live away from the coast and who have been highlighted as a high risk group, about the dangers associated with the seaside and how to stay safe. Coordinated in conjunction with the Education team, RNLI lifeguards and beach safety supervisors visited 31 schools in Birmingham and London. Hit the surf is a full- or half-day programme that gives the unique opportunity for children aged 8 12 to participate in an exciting lifesaving course. The course gives the students theory and practical water-based lessons on beach safety, surf survival skills and vital techniques for identifying hazards and dangers. They also watch a rescue demonstration by RNLI lifeguards. The Beach Safety roadshow is a mobile education unit used to promote beach safety messages at relevant events throughout the UK. The Surf hire safety scheme aims to reduce the number of surf-related incidents involving novice surfers who rent surf equipment. The nationwide scheme is based on a voluntary code of conduct. For more information visit surfhiresafety.co.uk. Number of participants Programme Meet the lifeguards 28,775 12,644 36,221 Beach to city 3,655 6,655 7,247 Hit the surf ,041 Roadshow and events 7,100 5,115 2,450 Surf hire safety scheme members Level of awareness Percentage (%) Level of Awareness Level of rip current awareness N/A N/A 18 Understanding of the red and yellow flags Understanding of the black and white flags Awareness of the RNLI s beach safety campaign N/A Source: Prescient and RNLI research 2008, based on 928 interviews (with over 18 year olds) at six UK beaches. 23

26 Prevention statistics 2008 Education Addressing young people The Education Managers and their teams of dedicated volunteers, including lifeboat station and lifeguard volunteers, addressed 296,014 young people, the largest number in any year to date. Young people go away with a clear understanding of how to keep themselves safe at the beach, in the sea and on our waterways, who the RNLI is and what we do as a charity with a volunteer ethos. Many schools have received our high-quality products and services and have chosen to fundraise for us, showing that we are developing our future supporters with great success. number of young people addressed Number Number of participants Visits to schools/groups 1, ,342 Visits by schools/groups to lifeboat stations 1,674 81,249 Visits by schools/groups to Lifeskills events ,220 Visit by schools/groups/individuals to events ,726 Recorded visits by schools/groups to RNLI museums 245 8,477 Total 6, ,014 Schools/groups who received All aboard resource 3,117 Visits Schools/groups who received Get onboard resource 967 Stations Many stations continue to give fantastic support to the Education team, with lifeboat visits officers and their teams seeing 1,674 schools and youth groups through their stations. Stations have provided the location for both visits and teacher training sessions, which have been very well received. Programmes and events Museums Following its redevelopment, and opening in 2008, the Grace Darling museum has proved to be a fantastic visitor attraction for school groups, with 5,867 young people experiencing the wonders of her heroic story and being supported by the workshops and learning materials provided by the museum s Learning Officer. Lifeskills Lifeskills events deliver key safety messages to primary-aged school children. Agencies at these events include the RNLI, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Ambulance, Police and Fire services and road safety organisations. A collaborative approach to the staffing of Lifeskills events has meant that Education staff and volunteers and lifeguards have been able to provide 36,220 young people with key safety messages, while also creating essential links with the 966 schools that attended. Beach to city The Beach to city project, targeted at Key Stage 2 (7 11 years old), was further developed in 2008 with the aim of improving young people s understanding of beach safety messages (see Beach Safety section for detailed statistics). Events Following the Education team s attendance at the Education Show at the NEC, Birmingham, which 16,000 teachers attend, a clear increase in the uptake of our professional resources and use of the Shorething website was observed. Website Shorething New sections to the website saw the total number of visitors to rnli.org.uk/shorething top 126,000, over double the number last year. All sections place the RNLI as a stimulus for learning, embedding our key messages within a range of curriculum areas. 24

27 Photo: Nigel Millard 25

28 Royal National Lifeboat Institution West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ Telephone: (UK) (RoI) rnli.org.uk (UK) rnli.ie (RoI) 26 INF040-08