EIGHT teenagers made the grade with the bronze medallion and many rookies stepped up their performance to win honours for Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club at the recent County Royal Life Saving Society meeting.

The value of the bronze medallion reflects the standard of lifesaving reached, acts as a springboard to lifesaving jobs and counts as a module of Sports GCSE. 

To develop instructional skills and involve teenagers in helping others with their sport, Okehampton Otters encourages young people to be assistant instructors.

Many use teaching as a part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award community service. Tania Mitchell and Tom Aylen's work, dedication and achievements with rookies lifesavers were recognised by Devon Branch of the Royal Life Saving Society with the award of engraved silver platters.

Rookies lifesavers meet at Okehampton swimming pool every Friday at 6pm for an hour to improve their swimming, understand water safety, develop survival skills and to learn to help others.

Beginners need to be able to swim four lengths and be from eight to 11 years old.

For further information contact Tony Clark on 01837 840283 or meet at the pool on Friday at 6pm.