Introduction
Chelmsford Swimming Club's life saving instructors have been recognised for their dedication in providing Lifesaving training by being awarded the Essex Branch Trophy for the highest number of life saving awards gained by a school, club or organisation twice since 2003. Sue Stewart is currently the President of the Essex branch of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS).
There are three instructors, Sue Stewart, Malcolm King and Sarah Scotchmer, all who have received national recognition by the RLSS for their contribution in teaching lifesaving over many years.
The courses run by this section are:
- Life Saving 1,2, 3 - this is a basic introduction to lifesaving for any junior.
- Bronze Medallion & Life Support - this course teaches the skills required for Lifesaving, testing strength, stamina and ability to react in an emergency situation. It also teaches basic first aid skills. Candidates need to be 13 years old at the time of the exam.
- Award of Merit - this course takes the basic training to the next level, ensuring greater awareness of the surrounding environment and building on the skills from the Bronze Medallion. Candidates need to be 14 years old.
- Bronze and Silver Cross - this is an open water lifesaving qualification which is held in conjunction with the Essex Lifesaving Branch. It is held annually at Southend allowing the candidate to apply skills learnt in the pool to the open water. Candidates need to have held the above two awards.
- National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches - this is the minimum lifesaving award whch is needed by any person who is involved in any aquatic sport to be responsible for people's safety on the poolside. This is renewable every two years.
Next BRONZE MEDALLION course start 6th February 2012
All enquiries please contact Sarah Scotchmer or click on the Chelmsford Swimming Club email link below.
Prospective candidates need to be strong swimmers and as a minimum, need to be able to swim 100 metres in under 3 minutes.
The Bronze Medallion courses are held in January and September for 12 weeks. This award can be used for the Duke of Edinburgh Award; GCSE PE and does provide a foundation for those wishing to train as pool lifeguards.
The Lifesaving classes are held at Riverside Ice and Leisure Pool, Chelmsford on Monday evenings between 8.00 - 9.30pm. For exact costing and availability of each course please contact the Lifesaving Secretary by email at lifesaving@chelmsfordswimmingclub.org.uk.