Life saving course aims to provide regional towns with local lifeguards

The next generation of lifeguards were thrown into the deep end at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre recently.

On January 18, a group of 11 people participated in a Royal Life Saving Pool Lifeguard course in order to earn a nationally accredited certificate.

The students were tested both physically and mentally with the demands entailed in becoming a lifeguard.

The course, which was funded by NSW training services as a form of drought relief, involved theory and practical assessments including CPR and first aid training.

Participants were tested in real-life, high-pressure situations such as swimming laps before performing resuscitation techniques on a rescue dummy.

Royal Life Saving Society Northern regional manager Jason Phillips said the course is crucial to a town like Narrabri or Wee Waa.

“The local swimming pool in a country town is usually the hub of activity or a centre point for people to meet,” said Mr Phillips.

“To have qualified staff to manage and operate the facility is of vital importance.

“The pool lifeguard program allows people to become accredited to operate an aquatic facility in their local town.”

The aim of the program is to encourage and teach young adults how to become a lifeguard, who are crucial to all communities.

“The program is based around multiple elements,” said Mr Phillips.

“From risk-management, to rescue, to swimming and life saving skills, to more advanced first-aid skills.

“There are elements around aquatic supervision, identifying patrons in need of assistance.

“And there is some course content around communication and public relations.

“Because a lifeguard is the face of an aquatic centre they’re generally the first point of contact for patrons so it is important that they have some PR and communication skills.”

Mr Phillips told The Courier that this program is a way to encourage teenagers into working at their local aquatic facilities.

“The program was aimed at people within the Narrabri Shire Council,” he said. “And it tries to involve young people into the workforce.

“The aquatic industry can be a great pathway for young people to enter and begin their working career.

“So by keeping it local it enables us to provide some local work

opportunities for kids within Narrabri.”

Mr Phillips said it becomes another feather in the cap for people who complete the program.

“Traditionally the job is casual by nature so it is generally a great pathway for kids who are at high school or university to gain a nationally recognised qualification,” he said.

“Because then the skills are transferable and the qualifications are transferable to any pool around Australia.

“If they do leave because of university studies or other commitments, generally they can pick up work in other regional towns or big metropolitan areas.

“And it is just great in regards to providing local opportunities to local kids who can work at their local swimming pool.”