LIFESAVING charity the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is inviting children to learn about beach safety by using the popular online game, Minecraft.

This summer, for the second year running, the charity is running its Beach Builder Challenge, which allows children to create and build virtual worlds within the vast digital world of the game.

The Beach Builder Challenge has been created by the RNLI to teach children about beach and water safety at a time when many young people will be visiting the coast during school summer holidays.

And this year, the RNLI has expanded the virtual world to include a ‘Beach Island Adventure’, so as well as creating their own epic beaches, creative youngsters must also complete four levels based on the charity’s Stay SAFE acronym: Spot the dangers, Take Advice, Stay close to a Friend or family member, Learn what to do in an Emergency.

Bridie Appleby-Gunnill, RNLI community safety product manager, said: “This is a fun and interactive game for seven–14 year olds to play during the school holidays. We really hope the challenges will help Minecraft users who visit a real beach this summer put their newly acquired beach safety knowledge into reality, and have fun while staying SAFE.”

This year, children using different platforms will be able to talk to one another while taking part in the challenge. Parents who wish to register their child’s involvement in the Beach Builder Challenge should email [email protected]

The RNLI (in conjunction with ASA) runs an annual ‘Swim Safe’ programme of outdoor swimming and water safety sessions for seven–14 year olds at beaches and lakes across the UK during the summer holidays. Participants of the RNLI’s Beach Builder Challenge will be able to put their learning into practice by signing up to Swim Safe. To book your free Swim Safe session, visit swimsafe.rnli.org