Grey Medallions are go in Geraldton
Three keen senior participants skilled up on pool-based lifesaving manoeuvres in several exercises as part of the first Grey Medallion course held in Geraldton recently.
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 and First Aid Trainer, Dionne Adams, delivered the 4 week-program and remarked; ‘It was a really fun learning environment and we all had a blast. Sometimes courses can be quite intense and its hard to retain information in a pressured environment – but this course was so relaxed and fun - I learned from them as much as they learned from me!’
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 and practiced their swimming strokes long since utilised.
Participants Bernie and Heather Wallace remarked afterwards, ‘Our sincere thanks for the concise, informative and interesting training for the Grey Medallion. We gained and regained, information and confidence in our abilities to assist ourselves and others in difficulties in and near the water. You made it fun whilst being instructive and encouraging learning about resuscitation and improving our strokes whilst swimming.’
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.
Following the success of the inaugural Grey Medallion course in Geraldton, Dionne is already planning the next course to be held at Geraldton Aquarena, August 29 – September 19.
For more information on our Grey Medallion courses and senior water safety, click the link below.
