Lifesaving Skills - RNLI Day at the Cutty Sark

Visitors are invited to join a host of exhilarating demonstrations, challenges, historic talks, and hands-on activities, all included with ship entry.

The River Thames is famous for its picturesque looks, yet can become a treacherous place especially around strong tides and fast-moving currents, where even experienced swimmers or boaters can quickly find themselves in danger. Understanding tidal patterns and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in a rescue situation.

This RNLI event highlights the importance of essential lifesaving skills such as throw-bag training and how mastering them might one day save a life.

Tower RNLI volunteer Stephen Wheatley said, ‘This event brings home how the powerful Thames can turn perilous in moments, and how basic skills like honing a throw-bag technique can truly mean the difference between life and death.'

Days events:

Throw Line Training (Dry Berth, 11 am–4 pm)
Practice using a throw bag under the guidance of RNLI Tower volunteers. Learn how to safely assist someone in the water, whether it’s calibrating distance or using proper technique, these skills could prove critical.

Crew Kit Timed Challenge (Dry Berth, 11 am–4 pm)
Suit up in RNLI’s famous yellow kit against the clock, because when it comes to saving lives, every second counts.

Gallery Favourite Talk: The Clipper Ship Hallowe’en (“’Tween Deck,” hourly from 11 am to 4 pm)
Hear the gripping story of Hallowe’en, owned by Cutty Sark’s original owner John Willis, which ran aground off South Devon and was bravely rescued by the RNLI Salcombe lifeboat.

Up Close with Lifesaving Objects (Main Deck & Dry Berth, 11 am–4 pm)
Examine historic lifesaving gear, from lifejackets to lifeboats, used in Cutty Sark’s own time, and explore the evolution of survival technology.

Fender Making (Main Deck/’Tween Deck, 11 am–4 pm)
Watch a shipwright at work crafting fenders, critical for protecting lifeboats from damage—preserving traditional maritime skills and hands-on craftsmanship.

Tower RNLI volunteer Stephen Wheatley said, ‘This event brings home how the powerful Thames can turn perilous in moments, and how basic skills like honing a throw-bag technique can truly mean the difference between life and death’.

Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, looking for a family-friendly day out, or eager to develop potentially life-saving abilities, RNLI Day at the Cutty Sark offers an unforgettable experience.

• Date & Time: Saturday 13 September 2025 | 11 am–4 pm
• Venue: On board Cutty Sark, Greenwich
• Tickets: Included with standard Cutty Sark admission
• Booking: Advance booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry.

Notes to Editor

Tower RNLI, based in the heart of London, is our busiest lifeboat station. The crew are on the station 24/7, 365 days a year- ready to respond to any incident immediately.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact:

· Ashley Bard, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected]

· Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

· RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.