DORSET LIFE-SAVING charity the RNLI has launched a new game to help youngsters stay safe.

The Minecraft game is designed to teach water safety thought their two-year project, the Beach Builder Challenge.

Minecraft is an interactive video game that lets players create and build virtual worlds.

Available from August 1, the Beach Builder Challenge, will teach water and beach safety as thousands of youngsters flock to the seaside with their families for the holidays.

This year, the RNLI has expanded the virtual world to include a beach island adventure, where youngsters can complete four levels, they are SAFE: Spot the dangers, take Advice, stay close to a Friend or family member, learn what to do in an Emergency.

Community safety product manager, Bridie Appleby-Gunnill said: “This is a fun and interactive game for seven to 14 year olds to play during the summer holidays.

“We really hope the challenges will help Minecraft users visiting the beach this summer put their newly acquired beach safety knowledge into reality, and have fun while staying SAFE.”

The charity said that last year’s Beach Builder Challenge was a huge success with more than 8,000 children participating from all over the world, including Canada, Australia and the USA.

Mrs Appleby-Gunnill said: “We’ve created a fun, educational experience where a young person can engage and learn about water safety in a self-organised way and where academic ability does not limit learning.”

She added: “I’m really hopeful the results of this year’s challenge will be just as encouraging. We’ll be looking for participants to take part in research, to help us further develop ways to enable water safety learning in this age group.”

And to provide practical support, the charity will be running its annual programme of outdoor swimming, together with ASA.

There will be water safety sessions for all seven to 14 year olds at beaches and lakes across the UK during the summer holidays. To sign up visit

swimsafe.rnli.org.