Austrian Students Learn Vital Water Safety Tips at RNLI Looe Lifeboat Station

In a special event yesterday, the RNLI Looe Lifeboat Station extended a warm welcome to a group of Austrian students that are staying at Moorland Hall Tavistock. The students, who are currently staying in the picturesque area of Tavistock, embarked on a unique educational journey designed to immerse them in the vital work and history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

During their visit, the students were treated to an informative session that included a brief history of the RNLI, an organisation dedicated to saving lives at sea since its inception in 1824. The presentation highlighted the RNLI’s enduring legacy and its commitment to marine safety and rescue operations across the UK and Ireland.

The Austrian visitors, hailing from a landlocked country known for its beautiful rivers and lakes, discovered the intricacies of the RNLI’s operations. They were shown the station’s inshore lifeboats and launch tractors, crucial components in the life-saving missions conducted by the RNLI. Furthermore, they had the opportunity to see firsthand the specialised kit worn by the RNLI crews, designed to protect and aid them in their rescue efforts.

Recognising the relevance of water safety for the visiting students, the RNLI also shared essential advice on how to deal with cold water shock and the life-saving “Float To Live” principle. Despite Austria’s lack of coastal access, the importance of understanding and respecting water safety was underscored, given the country’s abundance of rivers and lakes where similar dangers may be encountered.

The visit served not only as a celebration of the RNLI’s bicentennial but also as a vital educational exchange. It provided the students with crucial safety knowledge that they can carry with them, ensuring they are better prepared for any water-related activities in the future. This event underscores the RNLI’s dedication to spreading awareness and education on water safety, extending its reach beyond the shores of the UK.