RNLI Campaign Launch Event
On Wednesday 31st May, the official launch of the Nicholson’s and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution partnership kicked off with a fantastic event down in our Horniman at Hay's pub.
The location, chosen specifically because of its proximity to the Thames, was the ideal place to open our doors to guests, members of Nicholson’s and the RNLI to announce our six-week partnership and support for the RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign.
Amongst the buzzing atmopshere, our event on Wednesday was filled with tasting sessions of our new Fish Festival Menu that has been specifically created for the campaign, free glasses of Skinny Fizz, throw bag demonstrations from the RNLI, photo opportunities of the impressive RNLI Tower Duty boat and a chance to chat with the operational crew.
We were also fortunate enough to have LondonLive media with us for the event, broadcasting and interviewing Nicholson’s Operational Director, Will Prideaux.
We want to spread water safety messages across our entire network of 78 locations through our special water-based promotions such as fish menus and training staff on water safety, amongst a plethora of other fundraising and awareness activities and found this event was a fantastic way to get the ball rolling!
Ross MacLeod, who is the Coastal Safety Manager from RNLI said that: "Through our Respect the Water campaign, we’re trying to change people’s behaviours to make them think about safety and take steps to safeguard themselves and others. The phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ rings true, and it is fantastic that such a popular chain as Nicholson’s has agreed to support us in spreading those safety messages”
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the risks posed by being on or near water and to equip the public and members of staff at Nicholson’s with the skills and knowledge to keep others safe. Driving the campaign are the chilling statistics telling us that around 190 people die in the waters around the UK and Ireland every year, many of whom didn’t even intend to enter the water.
Similarly, we were reminded at the launch event that British and Irish waters are cold enough all year round to trigger cold-water shock and that trying to swim or gasp for air whilst in water leaves you with less of a chance of surviving. Whilst these worrying facts remain at the heart of our campaign, safety, fundraising and education is what we’re aiming to promote.
We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along to the event and made it such a fun success.
