After a successful debut last year, next week sees the return of the RNLI’s Youth Education Programme as the charity offers specialist training to lifesavers of the future.
The RNLI Youth Education Programme, which runs in partnership with Surf Life Saving Association Wales, will take place at Tenby’s south beach from Monday 16 May.
Last year, 80 Year 10 students from four of Pembrokeshire’s secondary schools took part in the charity’s first ever Youth Education Programme.
The course, which includes both theory and practical elements of beach safety, will cover topics such as basic life support, first aid and basic surf skills.
Each student will be assessed throughout the day and, if they pass, will be presented with a joint certificate from the RNLI and SLSA Wales which can be added to their CV as proof of their new skills.
Gareth King, RNLI Lifeguard Community Engagement Supervisor explains the background to the programme:
‘After last year’s success, the RNLI’s Youth Education Programme is fully booked for our week in Tenby as more and more students are eager to learn new skills and add towards their qualifications.
‘This is still a new and exciting project for the charity as we work in partnership with SLSA Wales. The aim of the programme is to encourage more participation from this particular age group in outdoor activities.‘
Gareth continues:
‘Our aim is for students to complete the day feeling confident and inspired as a result of their new skills. Hopefully some will chose to take their new skills further and look into joining their local Surf Lifesaving Clubs.
Many of the RNLI’s seasonal lifeguards have developed their skills over the years thanks to their local Surf Life Saving Clubs – hopefully we’ll see some of the faces again as they apply to be RNLI lifeguards in the future.’
RNLI lifeguards will be holding another Youth Education Programme again in September at Whitesands Bay.
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