STYLE | Community
WATERSIDE COMMUNITY TRUST TEACHES LIFE-SAVING SKILLS As a community surrounded by water with countless sandy beaches, hidden coves and sheltered bays to explore, knowing how to enjoy the water safely is incredibly important especially for the Isle of Wight’s younger residents
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ne organisation making sure people know just that is the Waterside Community Trust with its Rookie Lifeguard Course, designed to educate children on how to respect the water and inspire the next generation of lifeguards. The Ryde-based charity delivers the course throughout the summer in small groups using equipment funded by WightAID. Making use of the town’s vast sandy beach and nearby Waterside Pool, children take part in fun activities designed to equip them with valuable survival, rescue and sports skills along with a healthy respect for the water. Todd Miller, who leads the course, says, “Living on an Island with such easy access to the sea means it’s really important for children to learn
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about and respect the water so they can keep themselves and others safe while making the most of our fantastic beaches. “Although lifesaving is a serious business, the course is designed to be enjoyable with plenty of fun in the water, games and activities to help kids gain confidence and make new friends while learning valuable new skills.” The scheme has three levels with children progressing from beginner bronze level to gold level where they learn to master impressive lifesaving skills. As part of their training, children also get to meet the team at Ryde Beach Lifeguards, visit their centre and learn from real life heroes what it takes to be a lifesaver.
