RNLI Celebrates 200 Years with High Tide Students at Water Safety Courses.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)—200 years of lifesaving. To commemorate this remarkable achievement, the RNLI welcomed High Tide students to participate in their vital water safety courses, hosted at the Holiday Inn Express in Middlesbrough.

Since its founding in 1824, the RNLI has relied on the courage of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Volunteers have manned lifeboats, raised funds for critical equipment, and put their lives on the line to save others at sea. Over the last two centuries, they’ve saved over 146,000 lives—a testament to their unwavering commitment and the generosity of their supporters.

From wooden lifeboats powered by oars and sails to modern, motorized vessels equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the RNLI’s mission remains steadfast. While the tools have evolved, the bravery and compassion of their crews and supporters have remained constant.

High Tide Students Learn Life Saving Skills

In honor of their 200th year, the RNLI offered water safety courses to 200 participants, including 23 High Tide students from Reintegreat and Hollis Academy. These sessions provided invaluable advice on staying safe at the seaside, surviving in cold water, and identifying hazardous activities to avoid.

RNLI volunteers shared their expertise and passion, ensuring that the young people in attendance left equipped with knowledge that could one day save a life.

A Shared Mission to Save Lives

High Tide General Manager expressed their gratitude for the collaboration, stating:

“We are thrilled that our students can attend the water safety sessions with RNLI and very grateful to the volunteers for giving their time to provide such crucial information on how to stay safe.

The schools we work with are all surrounding the seaside and River Tees area. These locations are popular gathering spots for teenagers, so it is essential they have the knowledge of how to keep themselves and each other safe.”

200 Voices, 200 Stories

As part of their bicentennial celebrations, the RNLI has launched “200 Voices,” a collection of stories from survivors, volunteers, supporters, and others whose lives have been touched by the charity. These powerful tales of kindness, courage, and pride showcase the profound impact the RNLI has had across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

From gripping accounts of lifesaving missions to heartfelt tributes from supporters, “200 Voices” highlights the RNLI’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to saving lives. You can explore these stories and learn more about the RNLI’s rich history here.

Looking Ahead

As the RNLI celebrates 200 years, High Tide Foundation is proud to partner with this iconic institution to educate and empower the next generation. Together, we’re ensuring that young people in the Tees Valley have the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water, while also celebrating the courage and generosity that have defined the RNLI for two centuries.

Here’s to another 200 years of lifesaving!

#RLNI #HighTide #SavingLives #200voices