Visitors to RNLI tent at the Suffolk Show learnt water safety with Stormy Stan

The charity pitched up a base within the emergency services area for the two-day event, manned by volunteers from the RNLI Woodridge Branch who sold merchandise and chatted to supporters while collecting donations.

Visitors participated in water safety games with lifeguards and learnt key techniques to self-rescue such as, Float to Live which advises people to float like a starfish, relax and fight the urge to panic against cold water shock.

In the afternoon of the event an emergency service mascot race took place. In which Stormy Stan won in an impressive lead on the Thursday.

Arna Tolliday, RNLI Lifeguard, says: ‘It has been an amazing event, it is brilliant to see the public getting involved and community support for the charity. It is expected that the beaches will see large numbers of people heading to the coast this summer.

‘Therefore, it is important that people know lifesaving water safety advice such as, in a rip current swim parallel to the shore if possible or Float to Live. If you plan on getting in the water go to a lifeguarded beach and swim in between the red and yellow flags.’

During 2024 the RNLI celebrates its 200th anniversary. Since being founded in a London tavern the charity has always relied on volunteers to crew its world-class lifeboats. While much has changed in 200 years, two things have remained the same – the charity’s dependence on volunteers, who give their time and commitment to save others, and the voluntary contributions from the public which have funded the service for the past two centuries.

The RNLI is recruiting volunteers in the Suffolk area. To see what opportunities are available visit the volunteer recruitment page https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Lauren Wright, RNLI Media Engagement - Placement on 07890 402106 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.