St Hildas girls learn vital survival and rescue skills

A group of Year 9 students from St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls recently completed their Bronze Star lifesaving award, developing their skills in safe water rescue and survival.

Two classes of Physical Education Studies students were assessed in their knowledge, fitness, skills and judgement by Royal Life Saving WA Aquatic Trainer Cameron Eglington on the 23rd and 24th of November. The Bronze Star is the fourth level within the Bronze Rescue strand of lifesaving awards and covers search and rescue techniques, survival swimming skills and water safety knowledge.

St Hilda’s is located within the leafy suburb of Mosman Park, between the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach. Being close to the coast and the river affords access to plenty of aquatic recreation for the school’s students, making swimming and water safety skills especially important.

“Students developed problem-solving and decision-making skills in learning how to recognise an emergency and make an assessment before and during a rescue,” said St Hilda’s Head of Sport, Kobie McGurk. “Most importantly, the Bronze Star provided the students with the skills and knowledge to participate in aquatic recreation in a safe and enjoyable manner.

“Learning these vital life skills can lead to real employment opportunities and add value to St Hilda’s and the wider community, enabling the girls to become pool lifeguards, swim teachers and pool managers over the summer holidays.”

Congratulations to the girls for successfully completing their Bronze Star and we hope to see them go on to achieve their Bronze Medallion next!

Learn more about the Bronze Rescue strand of lifesaving awards at the link below.