More Than 50 Children Benefit From Lifesaving Program

Ryde Beach Lifeguards' Rookie Beach Lifesaving program saw more than 50 children participating in the program this summer.

During the 6 day intensive sessions, the lifesavers were in the pool, classroom, beach and sea, learning all manner of lifesaving techniques and skills, as well as first aid and CPR.

With the majority of the lifesavers achieving their RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards, as well as a beach specialism.

There were two lifesavers who really excelled, with Ella Singleton and Ethan Tanner-Rolf being the first on the Island to achieve their Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Medallion Awards on the course.

In order to achieve their Bronze Medallion, they both had to pass a formal theory and practical assessment, as well as volunteering for the local Beach Lifeguards as Beach Safety and much more.

The Bronze Medallion is the most prestigious award offered to lifesavers, with the late Queen Elizabeth II becoming the first young person in the Commonwealth to achieve the Society’s Bronze Medallion Award in 1941.

This provided an example to young people and helping establish lifesaving and resuscitation qualifications across the Commonwealth.

During a previous interview, Queen Elizabeth II said:

“I didn’t realise I was the first one — I just did it, and had to work very hard for it!

“It was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit.

"It was very grand, I thought.”

When the Rookie Lifeguards turn 16, they will be able to complete their qualifications to become our next generation of Pool and Beach Lifeguards.

In the mean time they have the skills and knowledge to be able to help somebody in need of first aid and rescue their friends of family members if they get into trouble in the water.

Todd Miller, Beach Manager, said:

“We are extremely proud of all our lifesavers, they performed to a really high standard and all had fun at the same time!

"It is a huge achievement for Ella and Ethan, now setting the benchmark for the other lifesavers on the Island to work towards.”