A group of nine Pembrokeshire children have successfully completed their Rookie Lifesaver Project and have been awarded their RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Bronze Stage 1 Certificate.

The programme that was originally jointly developed by Water Safety Europe’s team of lifeguard trainers and 1 Formula Fitness Leisure Centre in Kilgetty has recently welcomed local swimming instructor Jeanette Poole, of Poole Swimming, into the project and has started to deliver the full RLSS Rookie Lifesaver Awards.

The RLSS programme is a nationwide programme offering young people aged eight to 12 years the chance to learn essential water safety and basic lifesaving skills in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.

“This is a vital educational programme focusing on teaching valuable water survival, self-rescue and lifesaving skills to young people,” said lifeguard trainer Angelo Fecci.

In the RLSS programme, candidates work their way through a series of bronze, silver and gold awards, each made up of three separate stages. The whole programme is progressive and is designed not only to teach core water safety messages, but also build the confidence and swim skills of the individual at the same time.

Every year in the UK, around 400 people needlessly drown and thousands more suffer injury through near-drowning experiences. Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK, emphasising the importance of projects like this one.

“We are so proud of our Rookies. We have seen them progress so quickly throughout this project and look forward to inviting them back to continue onto their Bronze stage 2 certificates,” said 1 Formula Fitness owner Kate Lewis.

The Rookie project is now looking for a new batch of local children to take part and anyone interested in a space is encouraged to contact 1 Formula Fitness on 01834 811788.

Water Safety Europe’s team will be back on Pembrokeshire beaches this season delivering professional beach lifeguard training courses. If you would like to join them and train for a career as a professional lifeguard or a role within the surf industry, then please visit the website www.watersafetyeurope.co.uk