High life Highland is shining a spotlight on one of the most preventable causes of death in the UK this week – drowning. In the last five years, 119 children accidentally drowned in the UK according to the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK).
The RLSS UK says that no child should drown and during Drowning Prevention Week (15th – 22nd June), the charity is running its largest summer water safety campaign. The campaign targets families, carers, teachers, instructors and children aged 5-15 years old, with the aim of teaching them about water safety.
To support RLSS UK in its aim to prevent such tragedies, High Life Highland is offering the region’s young people the opportunity to take part in the RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard Programme.
Rookie Lifeguard is a bookable activity in the Schools Out summer activity programme and is a natural progression from learn-to-swim, equipping young people with essential lifesaving skills. The awards are progressively structured into three stages – bronze, silver and gold – with three awards at each stage. Participants are taught self-rescue, survival and simulated emergency rescues as well as first aid.
James Martin, Director of Sport, Leisure and Safeguarding at High Life Highland said: “The Highlands have a massive expanse of accessible open water and High Life Highland is keen to play its part in supporting water safety awareness.
“It is generally accepted that a lack of understanding of the dangers, an absence of safety advice and supervision, and generally not knowing how to cope should the worst happen all sadly contribute to people drowning.
“We want our young people to know what to do to stay safe, help themselves and how to help others. This is why we offer and highly recommend taking part in the Rookie Lifeguard Programme, which is aimed at the 7-14 age group.
“The course is available to book at various High Life Highland leisure centres over the summer holidays, or people can get in touch with us directly for more information.”
Matt Croxall, Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: “With warmer summer days on the horizon, we want to ensure that everyone can enjoy water this summer by having the knowledge to do so safely. Our Drowning Prevention Week campaign works to equip families with the appropriate skills and knowledge to enjoy water safely during the summer months and beyond.”
Matt added: “Our Rookie Lifeguard programme gives children the skills they need to explore water safety and gain confidence in the pool or the sea, while learning vital life skills.
“We’re thrilled that High Life Highland are delivering this as part of their summer activity programme – thank you for the support as together, we look to inspire the next generation of lifeguards!”
To learn more about our Rookie Lifeguard programme, please visit: rlss.org.uk/rookie-lifeguard
For more information tel/email: or to book please go to the Schools Out booking platform (High Life Highland Activities)
