To mark the bicentenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, the Isle of Wight RNLI Lifeboat Board is inviting entries from all the Island schools to build a mini-lifeboat.
The competition serves as a valuable team building exercise, and also provides an opportunity for children to learn vital water safety lessons as they find out about the work of the RNLI as it commemorates 200 years of saving lives at sea.
Suitable for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3
It includes curriculum-appropriate tasks for children between the ages of 5 and 14 with different themes and resources available for each age group in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3.
- Key Stage 1 children will begin to understand about floating while exploring the theme: Be Safe by water and the Sea.
- Key Stage 2 entrants will begin to understand how boats sail while focusing on the theme Efficient sailing boats.
- Key Stage 3 boat designers will learn about centres of gravity and balance for their theme: Building Safe Lifeboats.
Register by end of March
Schools are requested to register their intention to enter by 31st March 2024.
Once they have entered, pupils can get to work designing and making their lifeboats.
Finished models should be ready for display by mid July 2024. A float-off to decide the winners will be held in summer 2024. Winning models will go on public display.
Support from parents to encourage their children’s schools to enter this exciting competition is welcome. Please visit the website for full competition details including entry instructions.
IW Lifeboat Board
The Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board was formed on 15th December 1859 to raise funds and call for the establishment of the Island’s first RNLI lifeboats at Brook and Brighstone.
Now, it is looking forward to creating additional events and activities which will commemorate the rescues of the past, celebrate the work of today’s Lifeboat crews, and importantly, inspire the support and participation needed for the future.
Island photography competition
Additionally, entries are invited for an Island photography competition from amateur photographers of all ages including residents and visitors.
The theme is Island Seas – Splendour and Safety.
How to enter
Images should be sent to the Lifeboat Board’s dedicated RNLI website page by 31st July 2024.
Winners and their families will be invited on a bespoke tour of a lifeboat station as well as having their successful pictures on public display.
Open Day event
Isle of Wight events this year include an Open Day at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes on Sunday 26th May, with demonstrations and entertainment.
Details of these and other activities, both local and national, are on the Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board’s website.
News shared by Beth on behalf of RNLI. Ed
