'Water safety is a vital life skill, particularly when living so close to the coast'

Water safety is a vital life skill, particularly when living so close to the coast.

Hundreds of people drown in the UK every year, so it is important to ensure your children have the skills they need to keep them safe and confident in the pool or in the sea.

Water Safety is of utmost importance to Bridport Leisure Centre, who are pleased to now offer a Rookie Lifeguard programme, which focuses on life saving skills and teaches children how to swim and enjoy water safely, whether in shallow or deeper water.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK approved instructor is also the Leisure Centre’s lifeguard trainer Becky, she explains: “I start with an introduction of what the children will experience throughout the course and show them what they will be able to achieve.

I incorporate all the skills and experience I have in lifeguard training, giving the students the confidence needed to help in an emergency should it arise”.

The programme teaches valuable survival, rescue and sports skills that will inspire your child, helping them to keep themselves, their friends and their family safe in the water through a range of fun activities that lead towards a series of awards.

The scheme starts with the Bronze Award, at an ability level suitable for brand-new swimmers and progresses through to Gold where the Rookie Lifeguards perform impressive lifesaving tows.

Rookie Lifeguard classes take place on Tuesdays from 4pm to 5pm.

For more information on water safety visit https://www.rlss.org.uk/ and to enquire about the Rookie Lifeguard course contact Bridport Leisure Centre on 01308 426900.