Nicholson's pubs to support RNLI's Respect the Water campaign
Pub company Nicholson's has partnered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to support the Respect the Water campaign, which aims to help prevent drowning around the UK.
Every year, 190 people die in rivers and coastlines in the UK and Ireland, many of which are accidental deaths.
Nicholson's operates 78 pubs across the UK, with 20 located near water sources.
The Respect the Water campaign aims to educate both team members and guests in Nicholson's pubs, during a six-week training programme which will cover everything from fighting the body's natural instincts to swim, to respecting your alcohol limits and knowing what to do in an emergency.
The RNLI will be providing potentially life-saving "throw bags" to Nicholson's pubs along the River Thames.
In order to raise funds for the charity, until 9 July, Nicholson's will be running a limited-edition fish menu - with 50p per dish donated to the RNLI. Also, 10p for every Plymouth Gin and tonic sold over the campaign will be donated.
Annette Middleton, marketing manager at Nicholson's, said: "We are delighted to be getting behind the RNLI's ‘Respect the Water' campaign. The safety of our guests is at the forefront of our operations and this is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the lifesaving messages that the RNLI are conveying. We are fully engaging our team members in training and will be encouraging them to relay key messages to our guests, as well as supporting with our menu specials and fundraising events throughout the six-week period.
Ross MacLeod, community safety manager of the RNLI, added: "Through our Respect the Water campaign we are changing people's behaviours and encouraging them to take steps to safeguard themselves and others near the water. It goes without saying our lifeboats will always launch to save someone in distress but we want to make sure people are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to help prevent themselves and others from getting into danger in the first place, and to know how to survive should they end up in cold water unexpectedly. We are thrilled to have support from Nicholson's."
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