HOW INSPIRED IS HELPING THE RNLI CHANGE BEHAVIOUR AROUND WATER SAFETY
Inspired is driven by meaningful stories that have a big impact. So we are delighted to have been a part of the RNLI’s latest mission, to halve drowning in the UK and Ireland by 2024, something that is critical, given the shocking statistic that drowning is the third most common form of accidental death in children in the UK.
As a part of achieving their goal the RNLI wanted to create a suite of impactful, thought-provoking films to accompany the charity’s new Water Safety Resources for schools across the UK, created by our talented partners at Hopscotch Consulting.
These seven ‘point of view’ films, targeting children aged 3-14, place young people at the heart of dangerous situations to help them examine how their actions could lead to potentially fateful consequences, as well raise awareness of water safety and its importance, all from the relative safety of the classroom. The Inspired team and Hopscotch spent a busy week filming in Exmouth with the dedicated RNLI Lifeboat and beach lifeguard crews.
In addition, Inspired produced an inspirational teacher engagement film for the campaign, which included filming out at sea on one of the RNLI’s flagship Shannon lifeboats and on the River Thames at one of the UK’s busiest lifeboat stations.
From pulling brave volunteers out of the English Channel on a freezing February morning, to getting a whole class of primary school children to demonstrate float positions or simulate cold water shock, this impact film has been designed to engage educators and raise awareness of the aims of the RNLI youth education and the importance of teaching water safety.
Please see the teacher engagement film below
Inspired’s Creative Director Louis Paltnoi had this to say about the experience:
During filming, we were privileged to see first hand the incredible work undertaken by the RNLI’s lifeboat crews on a daily basis, most of whom serve as volunteers. So when we discovered that drowning was the third most common form of accidental death of children in the UK, it gave us an added incentive to deliver some really impactful films that can help drive home the importance of water safety. We’re delighted to have been able to play our part in delivering such a vital resource for schools.
Director Will Bloomfield added:
Working with the RNLI was an amazing experience. Working collaboratively runs through the DNA of their organisation, but they also have the kind of imagination and vision that allowed us as film-makers to push the envelope. We were supported throughout the project and that really speaks volumes about them and also about Hopscotch, who were with us every step of the way.
It is clear that water safety education is fundamental in helping to prevent drowning amongst young people. Inspired are very proud to have been a part of such a high profile project that has the potential to make such an impact on children and young people and one that could ultimately save people’s lives.
