YOUNGSTERS from Okehampton Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club have been presented with their bronze awards after completing the first stage of swimming training.

The course is part of a fun, progressive training programme designed to develop swimming skills, fitness and an understanding of water safety.

As well as learning these skills, the Otters learnt how to help others using land-based rescue techniques, and how to care for a casualty. Further lessons will include how to carry out water rescues, how to survive if they fall into water fully clothes, and resuscitation techniques.

Last weekend assistant trainers Michael Aylen, Hugh Clark, Izzy Ewen and Nell Fallon Clark completed the Royal Lifesaving Society's training course, which, following further experience, will qualify them as assistant instructors.

Okehampton Otters Rookie Lifesavers meet at Parklands swimming pool every Friday during term-time at 6pm for an hour's swimming and safety and rescue traning. The activities are rewarded with a series of badges at bronze, silver and gold level. Children wanting to take part must be between eight and twelve years old, capable of swimming four lengths nonstop.

For more information call Tony Clark on 07801 124427.