Ascot Kayak Club hosts third Bronze program for the season
10 participants recently achieved their Bronze Medallion in the Swan River at Ascot Kayak Club, taking part in the third Bronze program at Ascot over the summer / autumn season. Whilst all participants had different reasons for enrolling in this course, an underlying motivation for all was to learn lifesaving skills beyond the confines of a pool.
The participants were fortunate to have the sun shining throughout the course; despite the chilly conditions of the Swan River. Whilst not entirely desirable, the cold water conditions enabled participants to learn firsthand how to prepare for recreating during the colder months and how to negotiate the cold in survival situations.
The Swan River is the fourth most deadly drowning hot spot in Australia, so teaching these young people how to safely recreate in this beautiful river is extremely important.
The participants all worked well with one another and got along with their aquatic trainer, Sally, very well. Sally gave the participants realistic scenarios to work through in groups, ensuring they made the most of completing the course on the river.
On the last day of the course participants were fortunate to have two members of Ascot Kayak Club take them through a kayak course. This was not only a fun and enjoyable way for them to complete their Bronze Medallion training, but also a valuable tool for teaching the participants how to use equipment such as kayaks to aid in survival situations.
Ascot Kayak Club was one of the first venues to host a Swim and Survive on the Swan program, with four successful Bronze Medallion courses being held at the club since project commencement last year. The success of these programs pays credit to club members, including Jane Liddle, Ascot Kayak Club's Vice President, who has been a great supporter of Swim and Survive on the Swan.
The Swim and Survive on the Swan program is conducted as part of Royal Life Saving’s Respect the River campaign, which is funded by the Federal Government. This drowning prevention initiative is helping to ensure all Australian’s can enjoy inland waterways safely.