Girlguiding Cymru and the RNLI have launched a new water safety challenge pack designed to inspire young people to learn vital water safety skills and understand the history of the lifesaving charity.
The pack, which is part of the RNLI Mayday challenge, was officially launched at a special event held at the RNLI Barry Island Visitor Centre. Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers from Girlguiding Barry East and the Girlguiding Vale of Glamorgan were joined by members of the RNLI to earn their Mayday challenge badge.
Leaders and Commissioners from Cardiff and East Glamorgan were part of the event along with Girlguiding Cymru deputy chief commissioner Sarah-Jane Burns and Girlguiding Cardiff and East Glamorgan county commissioner Cheryl Crisp.
The girls at the event represented 1st St Athan Rainbows, 3rd Cadoxton Brownies, 10th Barry Guides and Cadoxton Rangers.The evening included activities and games that taught the girls about water safety, the importance of staying together in the water, and how to call for help. The girls also met Barry Lifeboat crew member Katie, who inspired them with stories of being a 6th generation crew member.
The challenge pack and badge, created in celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, is designed to inspire young people to learn vital water safety skills and understand the history of the lifesaving charity.
The challenge, which takes up to four sessions to complete, encourages participants to connect with the charity’s core values and share important water safety messages with their communities. It also teaches the RNLI’s four key safety messages for children: stop and think, stay together, float, and call 999.
By earning the badge, young participants will gain essential knowledge that they can share with friends and family, helping to promote a safer environment around water.
Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock RNLI, said: “This new badge is a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people to the lifesaving work we do. By taking part in this challenge, they’re learning essential skills that could one day help save lives. Who knows, some may even become the next generation of lifeboat volunteer crew!”
Girlguiding Cymru deputy chief commissioner Sarah-Jane Burns said: “We are excited to launch this challenge pack in celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. It’s important that our members are aware of the dangers of the sea and understand how to respect it. This fun-filled pack will teach us how to stay safe and have a great time. Perhaps it will even inspire some of our members to become volunteers with the RNLI in the future.”
Girlguiding units wishing to take part in this new initiative in Wales are advised to visit girlguidingcymru.org.uk/maydaychallenge to learn more.
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