Kite Clothing and the RNLI
We’re delighted to let you know that Kite and the RNLI continue to team up and this season we have added to our bespoke range of baby clothes.
Designed for the youngest members of your crew, your little ones can look the part this summer and you can help to support the RNLI's good work.
The charity, based right on our doorstep in Poole, Dorset, has been saving lives at sea for nearly 200 years.
Read on to learn more about the RNLI and the styles we’ve developed together, and to pick up some tips to help you stay safe at the beach.
About the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Funded by donations, their volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, their seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches, and their Flood Rescue Team helps those affected by flooding. They also work with organisations around the world to raise awareness of drowning and increase prevention and rescue capacity.
The volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 143,000 lives since 1824 and their youth education and water safety work has helped to prevent countless more from getting into danger. Today, an amazing 95% of the RNLI is made up of volunteers - ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help save lives at sea.
The collection
We have been working in collaboration with the RNLI for four years and this season we’ve added a new style to the collection. The lifeboat inspired designs are all made with 100% organic cotton offering perfect comfort and fit. Not only that, but all purchases help raise funds towards saving lives at sea.
The garments can be purchased directly from the RNLI's online shop or you may find them in one of the various RNLI stores around the UK. You can find your nearest RNLI shop here.
New! Little Captain Baby Bib £7
Ahoy! This fun bib is the ideal accessory for your little captain. It has popper fasteners making it easy to take on and off and it is made from soft, 100% organic cotton.
Lifejacket Bodysuit Cream £11
This 100% organic cotton cream bodysuit will look fab on the youngest member of your crew. With popper fastenings and an envelope neck, it is so easy to pop on and off.
Sea Sights Romper £18
Decorated with a playful lifeboat print, this baby romper is perfect for little lifesavers. It is made with 100% organic cotton, making it soft and comfortable whether your baby is busy in training or having a well-earned nap!
Staying safe at the beach this summer
With summer in full swing we wanted to share with you some of the amazing information that the RNLI have prepared, all designed to help keep you safe at the beach. We always appreciate how lucky we are to live near the coast and many people come and visit during the summer months, so here’s some really useful information that we all need to know to make sure we stay safe and have fun.
Five important things to remember are:
1. If you get into trouble in the water, remember to float until you can control your breathing. Then call for help or swim to safety.
2. Always try and visit a lifeguarded beach so that there is someone on hand should you get into difficulty.
3. Know the risks and what you can do to minimise them.
Some of the things to look out for include:
Cold water shock - entering water below 15°C can seriously affect your breathing and movement. Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C so this is a risk for most of the year.
Rip currents - Rips are strong currents running out to sea that can be difficult to spot. They can quickly take you from the shallows out of your depth.
Tides - A beach can seem like a vast playground, but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly. Getting cut off by the tide contributes to a significant number of RNLI rescues every year.
Waves - Playing in the waves is great fun, but can also be dangerous. They have different characteristics depending on the beach and conditions so understanding how they work will help keep you safe.
4. In an emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard in the UK or 112 for the Coast Guard in Ireland.
5. Know your signs and flags. You'll find them on all lifeguarded beaches to let you know key information:
Hazard sign
This is used to warn you of hazards or dangers in the area that may cause harm. The triangle will have different symbols inside it depending on what the hazard is.
Red and white prohibition sign
An activity is forbidden, for your safety. There may be different symbols inside it depending on what activity is forbidden – for example, swimming, surfing or fishing.
No lifeguards sign
There is currently no lifeguard service at this beach. You should exercise caution and follow all safety advice to protect you and your family.
Red and yellow beach flag
Lifeguarded area. This is the safest area to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.
Black and white chequered beach flag
For surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other non-powered craft. Launch and recovery area for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Never swim or bodyboard here.
Red beach flag
Danger! Never go in the water under any circumstances when the red flag is flying.
Orange windsock
Indicates offshore or strong wind conditions. Never use inflatables when the windsock is flying.
The RNLI have even more information covering all things from sun safety through to what to do if a child goes missing on a beach. You can download their brilliant ‘On the beach: your guide to a safe and fun time at the seaside’ here.
