Aura launch ‘Rookie Lifeguard’ course to teach children lifesaving skills

News released: 10th July 2009

Children between 8 and 12 years of age who are interested in lifeguarding and in learning lifesaving skills have plenty to look forward to this summer following the launch of a ‘Rookie Lifeguard’ course at Aura Leisure Centres nationwide.

The new course gives youngsters the opportunity to learn about water safety and will equip them with the skills which could help them to save a life.

“The course is divided into three levels with each one designed to teach different skills. Children are going to learn a lot and enjoy themselves as the course is aimed at being both educational and fun,’ explained Patricia Coyle, Operations Manager at Aura Letterkenny Leisure Complex

The Bronze Level takes one week to complete and will teach students the basic principles of water safety and essential life saving swim strokes while also helping them to identify pool and water aids.

The Silver Level is that bit more challenging and classes will focus on improving the students’ swimming fitness and stamina over the course of one week. Students will also learn how to respond to an emergency and a number of simulated rescues will be conducted to teach and improve skills.

The Gold Level takes two weeks to compete. It will harness and develop all of the skills learned in the other two levels, focusing on what can be done to make someone safe when they have gotten into difficulty in the water. It will concentrate on all elements of water safety and how students can protect themselves as well someone in distress in the water.

Some Aura centres are offering all three levels this summer while others are focusing solely on the Bronze level, for further information call reception at your local Aura Leisure Centre now. Phone numbers are here.