University's "Ship with a Heart" Initiative a Great Success
On 16 October 2024, on the occasion of World Restart a Heart Day, a special event took place on board the University's frigate, Dar Młodzieży, and in the nearby Kościuszki square. The event was held under the slogan Ship with a Heart and was organised by Gdynia Maritime University in cooperation with the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation.
His Magnificence, The Rector, Professor Adam Weintrit, described the event in the following words:
Gdynia Maritime University was pleased to support the initiative of beating the record in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and join the national event organised by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. Our University agreed for the event to take place on deck on Dar Młodzieży allowing over 200 students, who took an active part in the initiative, to come on board.
As a maritime university that produces future officers of the Merchant Navy, we put particular emphasis on teaching our students first aid, including rescue at sea. We know how invaluable such knowledge is in saving human lives.
We are honoured that Dar Młodzieży is the focus of a nationwide initiative of such social importance.
Exactly at noon in 867 cities in the country, including Gdynia, the attempt began to beat the record for the number of people performing CPR continuously for 30 minutes at the same time. In Gdynia, the signal to start came from the typhon on the vessel's bridge, and was sounded personally by Professor Adam Weintit and Jurek Owsiak. Following the loud, pronounced sound, 35 teams from 27 schools, institutions, and centres began an attempt to beat the record.
As the teams were performing the CPR procedure, the OSP RW Gdynia water rescue service gave a demonstration of a sea rescue operation. The entire event was commentated and aired live from the ship's deck on the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity channel, Kręcioła TV, and hosted by Professor Adam Weintrit, Jurek Owsiak, and the Captain of Dar Młodzieży, Mirosław Peszkowski.
In addition to the event taking place on board the ship, the participants of the Ship with a Heart initiative and all those interested visited the Rescue Village located in the nearby square, opposite Dar Młodzieży. There, between the hours of 10am and 3pm, the rescue services responsible for public safety were on hand to present their profession.
The Rescue Village offered a closer look at the equipment used in the everyday duties of the rescue services and an opportunity to talk to servicewomen and servicemen about their day-to-day work. The Municipal Police Station in Gdynia prepared a special treat for all animal lovers, showing off the capabilities of their police dog.
Additionally, the KrewAktywni Association, with the support and kindness of the Regional Blood Donation and Haemotherapy Centre in Gdańsk, provided an opportunity for give blood. Many GMU students, employees, as well as servicewomen, servicemen, and local residents made their contributions to saving the lives of people in need.
Those interested in history, equipped with the password 'Ship with a Heart', were given a chance to visit the ORP Błyskawica destroyer for free and Dar Pomorza for a symbolic fee of PLN 3, courtesy of the National Maritime Museum and Polish Navy Museum.
Another important addition to the entire initiative was the announcement of the benefactor of next year's Final of the Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity. The 2025 Final will be played for Paediatric Oncology & Haematology.
We would like to thank all those who were involved in the organisation or participated in the Ship with a Heart event - an attempt to beat the record in CPR.
