Pupils at Thames Primary Academy in Blackpool had the excuse to douse Miss Mills to demonstrate the watertightness of lifesaving kit used by Lytham St Annes Coastguard Rescue Team.
Volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers Shaun Wright and Jack Cole were on hand to explain how they respond to emergencies and remind youngsters how to avoid getting into danger.
Key lessons in the playground were how to ask for the Coastguard in an emergency by the coast – which involved loudly shouting “999” at the head teacher’s office.
Pupils also practiced the Float to Live tip if they get in trouble in the water: relax and float with your head back and your ears submerged.
Shaun said: “It’s so important to pass on these safety tips to youngsters who live near the coast and spend a lot of time at the seaside. That knowledge keeps them safer as well as their family and friends.
“We like to make these sessions fun and engaging with lots of water, shouting and hand-on activities. It’s important the lessons sink in and they feel confident to call 999 and ask the Coastguard for help, if they need it.”
Sessions were delivered for pupils in Reception and Years 1 and 2, with the content targeted for each age range.
Teacher Simone Rowe said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit which was not only extremely educational but engaging and interactive. Shaun and Jack were fantastic with the children.
“Living so close to the sea, it is incredibly important that the children recognise and understand the potential dangers which was highlighted during the talk, but they were also taught effective strategies.”
Main photo: Miss Mills gets a drenching
