Rookies learn to help others, improve swimming with friends and have some fun

The Rookies Lifeguard Programme is the junior award scheme of the Royal Lifesaving Society. Rookie skills help children aged 8 – 11 to be aware of how to take better care of themselves and their family and friends, and also give them the information they need to promote water safety in their activities. The Bronze, Silver and Gold awards contain survival, rescue and sports skills as well as life support and water safety elements.

 

Children should be aged between 8 and 11 and able to swim 4 lengths continuously with confidence. Rookies meet at Parklands Leisure Centre, Okehampton at 6pm for one hour every Friday during term time. If uncertain, come for a free trial to see for yourselves.

 

Swim, Survive, Save
The Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) “Survive & Save” awards teach valuable skills and give candidates a good start towards the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification. The awards programme can also contribute to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and GCSE PE coursework.

 

Candidates usually achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold pool awards within one term for each. Courses start each September at Parklands Leisure Centre, Okehampton at 6pm for one hour every Friday during term.

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• Life Support techniques

• Theory of water safety and rescue principles

• Practical sessions covering land based and wading rescues

• Test of strength and stamina in the form of a timed swim with clothing

• Rescue of struggling, distressed swimmers

• Submerged casualty resuscitation rescue

• Simulated incident involving rescue of 2 casualties

 

The minimum age for taking the awards is 12 years. Candidates need to be confident and competent swimmers. The successful candidate receives a medallion and certificate for each of the levels of the awards.

 

Courses are run once a year  for the practical survival and rescue techniques.

 

For more information contact David Bowles via email.

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