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First aid is one of the most valuable life skills young people can learn. At Sea Cadets, cadets develop practical knowledge, confidence and leadership through training, exercises and national competitions that challenge them to stay calm under pressure and work effectively as a team.

This National Cadets Week, we're celebrating three cadets whose training helped them respond to real-life emergencies.

Amelia's quick thinking helps save a life

While attending a party with friends, Royal Marines Cadet Amelia came across a young girl who had collapsed and was unconscious.

Recognising that the casualty was unresponsive and not breathing normally, Amelia immediately called 999 and began CPR, following instructions from the emergency call handler.

Thanks to her calm and decisive actions, the casualty regained consciousness before the ambulance arrived.

Amelia remained with the casualty, reassuring her and monitoring her condition until paramedics arrived. She then provided a clear handover to the ambulance crew, explaining what had happened and the treatment she had given.

Her actions demonstrated the real-life value of first aid training and the confidence to act when every second counts.

Daniel springs into action on a busy high street

Fifteen-year-old Lance Corporal Daniel was on his way to the gym when he came across a woman who had suffered a serious fall.

The casualty had sustained severe injuries, including a deep wound to her leg and a broken hand.

While others looked on, Daniel immediately took charge, calling 999, obtaining first aid supplies and helping stem blood loss while keeping the casualty reassured and comfortable.

Hospital staff later learned that the casualty had already been stabilised at the scene thanks to Daniel's actions.

Daniel said:"I just focussed on helping and using the training I'd been given. I'm glad I was able to assist and the first aid training from cadets prepared me to stay calm and know what to do."

Lily-Mae helps during a medical emergency at school

Able Junior Cadet Lily-Mae put her training into action when a teacher suffered a seizure during an after-school session. 

When the teacher collapsed, many pupils were understandably unsure what was happening. Drawing on first aid knowledge gained through Sea Cadets, 12 year old Lily-Mae recognised the situation was serious, guided her classmates out of the classroom, sought help from another teacher and helped keep pupils calm until staff arrived.

Her actions helped protect both the teacher and her fellow pupils during a frightening situation.

In recognition of her actions, Lily-Mae was later invited to meet her local Town Mayor.

She said: When I realised something wasn't right, I went to get a teacher straight away. Afterwards I was a bit shocked by what had happened, but at the time I just wanted to help and make sure everyone was safe.

Sea Cadets has helped give me confidence and taught me what to do in emergencies."

Skills for life

These stories are a powerful reminder that first aid training is about far more than qualifications.

Whether performing CPR, helping an injured member of the public or responding to a medical emergency at school, sea cadets are developing the confidence, leadership and practical skills needed to make a difference.

This National Cadets Week, we're celebrating the young people whose training has helped them step forward, stay calm and help others when it mattered most.

Picture: Lily-Mae taking part in first-aid training at Sea Cadets

Sea Cadets is proud to mark the start of the first National Cadets Week, with a special message of support from our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps.

The week-long celebration shines a spotlight on the positive impact cadet organisations make in communities across the UK and the opportunities they provide for young people to develop skills for life.

In her message, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal praised the achievements of cadets and the dedication of volunteers who make those opportunities possible.

She said:

"The first National Cadets Week is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of cadets across all our Services and the difference they make in communities throughout the United Kingdom.

"As Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, I have seen at first hand how Sea Cadets gives young people from every background the confidence, resilience and practical skills to meet life's challenges. It also instils teamwork, responsibility and a commitment to others.

"These opportunities would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who give their time, experience and encouragement so generously.

"I am pleased to launch Sea Cadets' celebrations for the first National Cadets Week and send my best wishes to every cadet and volunteer taking part. I hope their example will inspire many more young people and adults to become involved."

Throughout National Cadets Week, Sea Cadets will be celebrating the achievements of cadets and volunteers across the UK, highlighting inspiring stories from units nationwide and showcasing the impact the charity has on young people's lives.

Follow Sea Cadets throughout the week and join the conversation using #NationalCadetsWeek and #SeaCadetsUK.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has officially opened a new headquarters for Sunbury and Walton Sea Cadets, marking the completion of a 13-year project to create a permanent home for local young people.

As Patron of Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC) and Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, The Princess Royal met cadets and volunteers, toured the new facility and unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The headquarters provides modern training spaces and direct access to the River Thames, expanding opportunities for sailing, rowing, paddlesports, seamanship, navigation and marine engineering.

Leading Cadet Alice, 16, said: “Sea Cadets has helped me grow in confidence and develop leadership skills. This new headquarters gives us the space to do even more.”

Guy Holloway, CEO of MSSC, described the opening as a "landmark moment" and praised the dedication of volunteers, trustees, supporters and funders who helped deliver the project.

Sea Cadets supports almost 14,000 young people across the UK, helping them develop skills, confidence and leadership through maritime adventure and training.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Sea Cadets' National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta in Southport on Saturday (26 Sep), meeting cadets, volunteers and employees from across the UK and celebrating the achievements of young people taking part in one of the charity's flagship national events.

As Patron of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) and Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, The Princess Royal spent the afternoon learning about the competition, meeting cadets competing in sailing and windsurfing disciplines, observing racing on the water and hearing first-hand about the opportunities available through Sea Cadets.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness presented the prestigious Commander Brown Award to Petty Officer Cadet Niall of Connah's Quay Sea Cadets in recognition of his exceptional achievements and contribution to the organisation. The award marks the culmination of a remarkable five-year journey that has seen Niall progress from a shy young cadet to a qualified RYA instructor, Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award holder and role model for others.

Her Royal Highness also presented a Cadet Forces Medal to Petty Officer (SCC) Stephen Kay of City of Salford Sea Cadets in recognition of more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service. A former Royal Navy engineer, Stephen began volunteering with Sea Cadets in 2015 and has since helped hundreds of young people develop maritime skills and confidence through boating and offshore activities.

Guy Holloway, Chief Executive of MSSC, said: "The National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta showcases the very best of Sea Cadets, but it is about much more than competition. Niall's journey shows the life-changing impact Sea Cadets can have on young people, while Stephen's story demonstrates the extraordinary contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK."

The National Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta brings together some of the organisation's most talented young sailors and windsurfers, giving cadets the opportunity to test their skills, represent their units and build friendships with peers from across the UK.

Wells-next-the-Sea Sea Cadets recently welcomed the Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza DBE, for a visit to meet cadets and see first-hand the opportunities and experiences offered by the charity.

During the visit, Dame Rachel spent time speaking directly with young people about their futures, their local community and the impact Sea Cadets has had on their lives. The visit included a walk along the seafront, a boating session in Wells Harbour and informal discussions with cadets, volunteers and supporters.

With 16 and 17-year-olds set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the country's future, the visit provided an opportunity for the Children's Commissioner to hear directly from Sea Cadets about their ambitions, concerns and experiences as young people growing up in Britain today.

Able Cadet Oliver, who recently completed his GCSEs, spoke with Dame Rachel about the role Sea Cadets has played in his development and helped inspire his passion for sailing.

He said: "Sea Cadets has helped me so much, both with sailing, which has become my favourite hobby and passion and with building skills and confidence for the future. The knowledge, experience and qualifications I've gained over the past six years will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Throughout the day, cadets took centre stage, sharing their experiences of developing confidence, leadership skills and teamwork through Sea Cadets.

The visit formed part of the Children's Commissioner's ongoing engagement with young people across England via the Big Future initiative and highlighted the important role Sea Cadets plays in helping young people develop confidence, skills and resilience while providing opportunities to have their voices heard.