Not only is The Lifeboat College a centre of excellence for lifeboat crews and staff - it provides a base for other organisations to learn about the RNLI's work. Regional Education Officer Dave Cooling looks back on a lively week when 14 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participants joined him for their residential moduleo Aged between 16 and 22, Duke of Edinburgh Award participants from across Wiltshire and Cornwall arrived in Poole on 26 July for their residential experience. This formed part of the requirements for the Gold Award and was the third year that the RNLI has run the scheme in conjunction with Wiltshire County Council The participants didn't know each other and came together to complete a series of activities.

The RNLI part of the scheme aims to give participants an experience of volunteering for a charity, to leam about the work of the RNLI in particular, understand the work of RNLI Beach Lifeguards, and to be trained in talking to the general public. Participants help to raise holiday makers' awareness of the RNLI's work and the dangers at the beach. Of course, it is also important that they all have some fun in the process.

Day one Many of the participants have no previous knowledge of the RNLI so the first day included a tour of the beach facilities, an opportunity to meet staff and to get to know each other. This was followed by an introduction to the RNLI's work and the chance to have some fun, dressing up in crew kit.

Day two The day started by raising the group's awareness of the dangers on beaches in general- At Sandbanks beach participants conducted their own risk assessments and the outcomes were discussed with the local lifeguards. Beach Safety Roadshow Manager Dave Gorman led a training session in the afternoon. This part of the course is always enjoyed, particularly the water-based activities.

The evening saw the group teaming about the correct use of distress flares. The Coastguard is warned of this activity and it is always interesting to hear how many 999 calls they receive in response.

Day three The third day proved very special this year as it coincided with the College opening. The group arrived at the College bright and early to be security checked and attend rehearsals.

Amongst all this activity they completed a training session on how to talk to the public about beach safety and the RNU.This involved rde play, with some BAFTA award-winning performances and much laughter. The Duke of Edinburgh's visit proved extremely successful He was very interested and asked the participants lots of questions - and enjoyed a few jokes with them. After the excitement of the day the group visited Pode lifeboat station, another highlight of the week.

Days four and five The last two days depended on the weather for the balance of activities between further training with the lifeguards and working on the beaches talking to the holidaymakers about beach safety and the work of the RNLI.

Thursday night was firework night at Sandbanks; an ideal opportunity to promote RNLI membership using the roadshow as a base.

By the time participants left, their commitment to the RNLI and growth in personal confidence was evident. Six committed themselves to RNLI fundraising projects for the service section of the Award and three took their new-found knowledge back to youth groups they lead. Plans are being developed to use the College itself for some of next year's Award work.

'We have seen the whole spectrum of what the RNLI does, which was really good,' said one of the participants. 'The practical lessons were very effective. They brought it all together and were really fun/ said another. Proof indeed that this activity gives talented young people a quality experience of the RNLL.