Grey Medallion go getters get lifesaving skilled up

Fourteen keen senior participants skilled up on pool-based lifesaving maneuvers in several exercises as part of the pilot Grey Medallion course at HBF Arena Joondalup this week.

The Grey Medallion is a water safety and lifesaving skills initiative for older adults (+ 55). It aims to encourage a healthy, independent and active lifestyle through the development of essential lifesaving skills such us water safety knowledge, basic rescue skills, aquatic exercise and resuscitation techniques.

Royal Life Saving WA Aquatic Trainer, Isabel Franzoni, is delivering the 6 week-program and remarked "I’m so proud of these participants who have come so far, from ladies who were too frightened to wet their hair to actually jumping in and rescuing someone."

The enthusiastic participants had a great morning of learning the vital lifesaving skills that form the Grey Medallion course. There were smiles all round as they proudly showed off their new skills in the pool.

A bonus to taking part in the course was the cuppa afterwards, where new friends would chat over the morning’s fun activities!

Participating in an aquatic exercise class is ideal for older adults because of its low-impact nature, making it suitable for both active people and those with restricted mobility. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart attack, improve blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even help to prevent falls and injury.

We are looking forward to seeing the Grey Medallion program delivered in all WA Aquatic centres, to find out more about how you can get involved click on the link below.