ALL 47 of Okehampton Otters Rookie Lifeguards and Lifesavers were congratulated by the Mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Jan Goffey, on achieving Royal Life Saving Society awards.

The Rookie Lifeguards, aged eight to 11, depending on their progress, received their bronze, silver or gold awards for their swimming ability, knowledge of water safety, aquatic survival and ability to help others. During the weekly one hour training sessions, the young swimmers have improved their swimming skills, understand water hazards, become confident in and around water, developed survival skills and learnt how to help others amongst friends and with lots of fun.

The Lifesavers, aged 12 and above, were presented with their Survive and Save bronze, silver and/or gold medallions. To achieve the high standard required by RLSS assessors, the lifesavers have spent 12 months honing their water skills, ability to survive, rescuing someone drowning and giving first aid.

Many of the lifesavers go on to the national vocational qualification as pool lifeguards. Some will use the medallions to support GCSEs and Duke of Edinburgh awards. Eight of these gold medallion lifesavers have gone on to qualify as assistant instructors, working with the rookies to pass on their knowledge and skills.

Alison Gidlow, who joined the club last year, has met the requirements of an instructor. As an adult instructor, she joins Tony Clark, who recently received a bar to his RLSS Service Medal, and David Bowles, who was awarded an RLSS certificate of merit. Izzy Higgs, who last year received a silver plate as the best Young Instructor in Devon, also received a certificate of merit.

Around 400 people needlessly drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences.

Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club aims to help young people to avoid the dangers and to be able to help others.The next ‘Survive and Save’ course for 12 to 18 year-olds will start in September so now is a good time to get swimming fit.

There are a few vacancies for Rookie Lifeguards aged between eight and 11, who can swim four lengths continuously and with confidence. A free taster session is offered on Friday, January 27 and February 3 at 6 pm.