Lancaster City Council is running two courses for anyone interested in training to become a lifeguard.
The courses will enable confident swimmers to become trained and certified in water rescue, cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
The qualifications take you a step closer to becoming a respected lifeguard responsible for saving lives and preventing accidents occurring in the first place.
To qualify as a pool lifeguard you need to complete one of the internationally recognised courses; the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or the National Rescue Standard (NaRS).
Salt Ayre Sports Centre is running the NPLQ course from Monday 26th Saturday 31st July from 8.30am-5.30pm. All candidates must be 16 years of age or over and be able to swim 100 metres on their front and 100 metres on their back without stopping, swim 50 metres under one minute, tread water for two minutes, surface dive to the bottom of the pool at the deepest end (2 metres) and climb out unaided. A swim test can be pre-arranged to ensure you are compliant.
The course covers the principles of lifesaving and swimming supervision and the application of supervision and rescue in a swimming pool.
The cost of the course is £250 which includes tuition, course manual, assessment fee and qualification. There are limited places available so if you are interested call in to Salt Ayre Sports Centre to register as soon as possible or for more information telephone 01524 847540 or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre.
Heysham Swimming Pool is running the National Rescue Standard (NaRS) qualification throughout August. This course will commence on Friday 13th August concluding with an exam on Sunday 29th August. All candidates must be 16 years of age or over and be able to swim 100 metres on their front and 100 metres on their back without stopping, swim 50 metres under one minute, tread water for two minutes, surface dive to the bottom of the pool at the deepest end and climb out unaided. You must also attend for a minimum of 36 hours to include the Aquatic Rescue Foundation Unit.
Full details of course dates and times are available by calling in to Heysham Pool, by telephoning 01524 420763 or from www.lancaster.gov.uk/heyshampool.
The course fee is £200 and must be paid in full at the time of booking. A limited number of places are available, so to be sure of reserving your place, please visit the pool and complete an application form as soon as possible.