The RNLI and Girlguiding Cymru have joined forces to launch a new lifesaving resource.

The collaboration marks the RNLI's 200th anniversary of saving lives at sea.

The new resource, called the 'Mayday, Mayday' water safety badge, was officially launched on September 10 at the Barry Dock RNLI Visitor Centre.

It is aimed at providing lifesaving advice to young people and their families, focusing on four key messages.

The RNLI and Girlguiding Cymru hope that thousands of GirlGuides across Wales will take on the Mayday Mayday challenge in their Girlguiding units.

The challenge is designed to be fun while imparting crucial water safety information.

RNLI water safety lead for Wales, Chris Cousens, said: "We know that educating young people about water safety is fundamental to saving lives and is a core part of the RNLI’s prevention work.

"The more young people we can reach with our water safety messages, the more lives we can save now and in the future.

"So we’re delighted to be collaborating with Girlguiding Cymru, one of the regions of Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated to girls aged 4-18."

The launch event at Barry Dock RNLI Visitor Centre included speeches from Mr Cousens, Sarah-Jane Burns, Girlguiding deputy chief commissioner, and Katie Phillips, a crew member on the Barry Dock lifeboat.

The attendees, including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers, were given a tour of the new visitor centre and participated in a RNLI water safety session.

They were also introduced to the 'Mayday, Mayday' challenge.

Ms Burns said: "We are excited to launch this challenge pack in celebration of the RNLI's 200th anniversary.

"It's important that our members are aware of the dangers of the sea and understand how to respect it.

"This fun-filled pack will teach us how to stay safe and have a great time.

"Perhaps it will even inspire some of our members to become volunteers with the RNLI in the future."

The resource is designed to be used by all age sections of Girlguiding: Rainbows (ages 4-7), Brownies (ages 7-10), Guides (ages 10-14), and Rangers (ages 14-18).

The name 'Mayday, Mayday' is derived from the international distress signal used in voice-procedure radio communications.

Ms Phillips added: "At its core, this collaboration is about sharing key messages that will ultimately save lives – but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce young girls to the potential opportunities an organisation like the RNLI has to offer.

"As a world-leading search and rescue organisation/charity there is a huge variety of volunteer and career opportunities.

"These range from operational roles like flying hovercrafts and lifeguarding beaches, to data analysis, fundraising and building the lifeboats of the future.

"I really hope Girlguiding units in Wales take the time to engage with this wonderful resource and deliver it in their communities – you will absolutely be making a lifesaving difference and inspiring the next generation."

Both the RNLI and Girlguiding Cymru hope this partnership will inspire a future generation of lifesavers, with volunteers at the heart of both organisations.