THERE have been multiple success stories to savour on the local lifesaving front recently.
A group of six lifesavers from South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club have received the RLSS Distinction award, which is the highest achievement in the Royal Lifesaving Society.
The group – Lily Weston, Chloe Bigg, Luke Haines, Alex Griffin, Jack Turton and Jordan Myatt – have completed all 12 awards in the Survive and Save programme, having worked hard in all disciplines.
Trainer Teresa Myatt said: “The club embraced the new award system on its release and have visited local lakes to complete the Stillwater award.
“The club liaised with Poole lifeguards to complete the beach sections. It is important that young people are aware of the dangers of open water and they can spread the word via friendship groups and social media.
“These new awards concentrate on the safety of the rescuer as well as learning how to rescue.”
Five of the six candidates have also gone on to hold the RLSS Pool Lifeguard award and gain employment at local swimming pools.
FOUR members of the club recently attended the Yorkshire Speeds Lifesaving Competition in Leeds.
Facing well drilled and experienced competition from some of the north’s strongest clubs, two of the group medalled in each of the four events in their age range.
Amy Weston (13) achieved first place in the 50m Manikin Carry and 100m Rescue Medley and third place in the 100m Manikin Carry and 100m Obstacle race.
Jack Betteridge (14) achieved first place in 100m Rescue Medley, 50m Manikin Carry and 100m Obstacle race and second place in 100m Manikin Carry.
Rhianne Gale (14) and Alex Jackson (13) also competed in this event and, although they did not receive medals in their first ‘senior’ competition, they rose to the challenge and put in sterling performances.
Both Amy and Jack were invited to attend a trial to the RLSS UK Performance Squad training session in Rotherham. Successful athletes can become part of the GB Lifesaving Team through this squad.
All swimmers have been members of Pershore-based South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club for a number of years, competing in Rookie Galas, teaching lifesaving skills to younger members of the club and being great role models to the junior section and their peers.
Amy and Jack are also regular swimmers for Pershore Swimming Club.
Amy Weston, Rhianne Gale, Jack Betteridge and Alex Jackson impressed in Leeds. (s)