AFTER achieving the highest level of Survive and Save awards, training sessions,  a six month apprenticeship and a final examination, five members of Okehampton Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club qualified as instructors.

Izzy Euan has already taught a group of teenagers to Bronze Survive and Save standard, enabling them with confidence to look after themselves in or near water, perform rescues where possible by reaching or throwing an aid and provide life support.

Angus, Beth, Izzy and Matilda work with the club's experienced instructors Tony Clark and David Bowles, teaching swimming and lifesaving skills for both over 12 year olds taking Survive and Save awards and 8 to 12 year old rookie lifesavers.

Ian Hutchings, The Royal Lifesaving Society UK's deputy president, watched the newly qualified instructors conducting lessons and congratulated them on the high standard of instruction achieved.

Mr Hutchings reminded them that accidental drowning causes more than 400 UK deaths every year, is the third highest cause of death in children and claims the lives of at least 360,000 people worldwide each year, he praised their efforts to teach young people about water dangers, taking safety precautions and helping others.

Okehampton Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club provides training for the Royal Life Saving Society Survive and Save, and rookies awards at Parklands Pool, Simmons Park every Friday in term time from 6 to 7pm. Vacancies for rookie lifeguards aged 8 to 12 are available now with a free taster session.

The Survive and Save Programme is a progression of bronze, silver and gold awards that teach, challenge and develop skills and knowledge in aquatic survival, rescue, sport and fitness. The training focusses on water safety as well as personal survival and fitness. Learning to help others is achieved through first aid training, rescue techniques and maintaining the safety of the rescuer.

Successful candidates are rewarded with a medal and certificate for the successful completion of their chosen awards. The Awards are also useful activities for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and can count towards the Sport GCSE. They also help swimmers progress to the National Swimming Pool Lifeguard vocational qualification .

The Medallion courses will take place during the autumn and spring terms and will lead on to the sports and open water awards in the Summer. Participant must be 12 years old and should be able to swim a minimum of four lengths continuously with confidence.

For further details or to register interest in taking part, contact Tony Clark at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 840283.