One year on! Rookie Lifeguards make a splash at St James St Pools

Tone Leisure’s, St James Street Swimming Pool has been running the RLSS’s Rookie Lifeguard programme since March 2009 and has gone from strength to strength. The Rookie programme is designed to give children essential water safety and lifesaving skills.

In the UK drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death among youngsters under the age of 16, with at least 60 children losing their lives every year.

Every year there is mention in the local press of youngsters dying in tragic water related incidents. Staff at St James Street Swimming Pool decided to take an active role in ensuring water safety and launched the Rookie Lifeguard programme for children in the community.

Cat Margrie, Rookie programme organiser, St James Pool said; “We have seen a big gap in the community since the old Lifesaving Club disbanded. TV programmes such as Sea Patrol and Bondi Beach Rescue have highlighted to children and parents that the beach and other water areas are dangerous places. They see the Lifeguards on these programmes, on beaches and in local pools as role models and that makes them want to learn how to help in an emergency”.

Natascha Farmery, Centre Manager, said; “Our sessions started with just 6 children for a half hour session once a week. Demand has been so high we now run an hour session with 20 children and 2 instructors. The instructors do a great job teaching the skills in a fun way that gets all the children involved. I believe the growth of the session shows that the children enjoy attending a fun and productive class, which gives them life long skills. The sessions run on Tuesday evenings 8-9pm, £46 for a 10-week block of sessions.”

The Rookie Lifeguard programme is aimed at children 8-14 years old. As a Rookie you will learn about personal survival, water safety and basic lifeguarding skills to help you stay out of danger and learn how to save yourself and others in difficulty in the water. You will also learn what to do if someone stops breathing- another First Aid essential!

If you are interested in your child learning these basic, but essential skills please contact St James Pool on: 01823 350100 for course information and availability, and to book a space.