Junior Lifeguard Club teaching children lifesaving skills

15 May 2015

The Junior Lifeguard Club is a Royal Life Saving Society aquatic education program that is an aquatic alternative to traditional swimming lessons for kids age 8-14, who want to combine their passion for swimming with the ability to learn new lifesaving skills. The program is an opportunity for kids to join a club that will advance their aquatic skills in an environment with the emphasis on fun while maintaining strong club feelings and loyalties. It is a stepping stone for the future lifesavers and lifeguards in WA.

Pool Lifesaving is the sport of lifesaving conducted in a pool controlled environment. Participating in other Royal Life Saving programs such as Swim & Survive and Bronze Rescue can lead to a pathway of competition. Competitions in pool lifesaving are conducted at club, state, interstate and international levels. Competing allows participants to aspire to being a member of the Junior Barras (under 16 Australian Team), Silver Barras (under 19 Australian Team) or the Aussie Barras (Open Australian Team).

Trent Hotchkin, Swimming & Water Safety Education Manager from Royal Life Saving says "Whilst we ensure the activities are great fun and offer new experiences for the children, they also have a serious outcome of educating the children in essential lifesaving skills that may one day save a life. The program provides a pathway from grass roots to elite for those who would like to continue down the competitive path of pool lifesaving"

A key objective of the Junior Lifeguard Club program is to increase participation in swimming & water safety activities in regional communities.  The sessions will have up to 20 members competing and testing their skills in the development session style format.

Activities included manikin tows, Rescue tube tows and relays.

The Royal Life Saving Junior Lifeguard Club program is proudly supported by the Department of Sport & Recreation.

To get involved in the Junior Lifeguard Club contact Royal Life Saving Society WA on 9383 8200