Jarrow teenager launches water safety appeal after visiting Sunderland’s RNLI Lifeboat Station
A teenage charity champion is backing the RNLI with his new appeal.
A Jarrow teenager has launched a brand new appeal to support Sunderland RNLI volunteers and raise awareness of water safety.
Luke Hedley BCyA visited the Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat Station during their open day on Saturday, May 30, where he learned more about the lifesaving work that is carried out by the team along the North East coastline.
With the number of open water deaths during the country’s recent heatwave reaching 12, Luke has wanted to take action to help raise water safety awareness.
Teenage charity champion
The 14-year-old is already known for supporting the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team through his Hill Safety Whistles Campaign, which has seen him raise more than £3,500 by designing and selling his own 3D‑printed safety whistles.
His fundraising efforts have seen him awarded the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) and a gold Blue Peter Badge.
The teenager’s new RNLI appeal expands his original idea into water safety whistles, designed to help people attract attention in emergencies.
Luke, who is both an Army Cadet at Hebburn Detachment A Company Durham ACF and is a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, said: “It’s so important to know about the dangers of water, how to float to live, and how to attract help.
“That’s why I’ve made these water safety whistles.
“Please, if you can, help me raise vital funds for these amazing volunteers who save lives in our region.”
How you can help
The whistles are now on sale in the Sunderland RNLI Shop, on Marine Walk, at Roker, for £4 - with all the proceeds going directly to the RNLI.
Luke can also supply bulk orders for outdoor centres, youth groups, schools, and community organisations wishing to support the appeal.
The teenager’s Hill Safety Whistle campaign current sees his whistles sold in the current locations:
- South Shields: Mr Swainstons and The Steamboat.
- Newcastle: Cotswold Outdoor and LD Mountain Centre.
- Northumberland: The Sill National Discovery Centre, Walltown Visitor Centre, Errington Coffee House, Twice Brewed Inn, Milecastle Inn, and Rochester Relish.
As he continues to fundraise for the RNLI, Luke is looking to partner with local shops across Sunderland, Whitburn and South Shields.
Any interested businesses can contact: [email protected].