Peter made an exciting entrance to the talk in his Helicopter in which he parked on school grounds to allow the students the opportunity to see it close up.

Throughout the session, Peter drew on decades of experience in diving, rescue operations, and forensic search work to help students understand the importance of staying safe around rivers, lakes, canals, and open water. His real‑life stories and professional insights highlighted how quickly situations can change and why knowledge, awareness, and sensible decision‑making are essential.

A key part of Peter’s talk focused on his ongoing support for the Lucas Dobson campaign, a charity dedicated to improving water safety education for young people and families. Students learned about the campaign’s mission and were encouraged to recognise potential hazards, understand the risks of cold‑water shock, and know what to do in an emergency.

With warmer weather and school holidays approaching, the session served as a timely reminder of vital safety messages, including the importance of never entering water unsupervised and always respecting the power of open water environments.

As part of his visit, Peter generously donated a number of life jackets to support the launch of St Gabriel’s new community life jacket library. This initiative will allow families to borrow life jackets for use during water‑based activities outside school, helping to promote safe participation in sports and leisure pursuits. The jackets have already been put to excellent use during this week’s paddleboarding lessons, giving students practical experience while reinforcing the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Peter’s presentation was met with huge enthusiasm from students and staff alike. His expertise, generosity, and commitment to raising awareness left a lasting impression, ensuring that the key messages of water safety will stay with students long after the session.

This valuable visit reflects St Gabriel’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, personal safety, and meaningful learning beyond the classroom.