The RNLI and Girlguiding North West England have joined forces for a special collaboration as part of the charity’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
Girlguiding members including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers will be able to earn a special RNLI 200 badge that focuses on water safety.
The badge is designed to expand children’s understanding of water safety as well as give them a chance to learn about the RNLI’s heritage and inspire future RNLI volunteers.
Rona Rommel, Girlguiding North West England’s region chief commissioner said: “We are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Girlguiding North West England and the RNLI in honour of their 200th anniversary.
“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to water safety education, particularly for young people and their families.
“In its 200th anniversary year, the RNLI continues to champion the importance of water safety as a cornerstone of its life-saving mission.
“With drowning prevention at the forefront, the collaboration between Girlguiding North West England and the RNLI underscores the critical role education plays in saving lives in, on, and around water.
“Educating young people and their families about water safety is fundamental to saving lives. As the RNLI’s prevention work highlights, the more young people we can reach with water safety messages, the more lives that get saved now and in the future.”
The RNLI is hosting a range of celebrations this year to mark 200 years of saving lives at sea. The charity said it is hoping the collaboration will spread vital water safety information to a large audience of young people.
Anthony Jones water safety education manager said: “The RNLI are thrilled to work alongside Girlguiding North West England to create such an important resource. This pack was originally designed by the RNLI alongside Girlguiding South West England, we’re very pleased that it has been adapted for our region.
“In order for the young people to achieve an RNLI 200 badge, they must learn about the work the RNLI has done over the last 200 years, what we do today to save lives at sea and the RNLI’s four key safety messages for children – Stop and Think, Stay Together, Float and Call 999.
“I hope that in completing this challenge that many young people share the important safety information that they’ve learnt, and that they’re inspired to volunteer for the RNLI in the future.’
