The East London Surf Lifesavers Club will once again offer its annual round of lifesaving courses, starting in October.
Participants will be awarded with a lifesaving certificate at the end of the course, which is internationally recognised and SETA accredited.
The course includes theoretical and practical aspects such as water knowledge, drowning prevention, beach knowledge, CPR, first aid basics, attending to medical emergencies and responding to a patient in varying degrees of drowning.
Volunteering as a lifesaver is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding as it is aimed at saving lives.
East London Surf Lifesavers Club member, Alida Owen, said apart from the physical aspect to lifesaving, participants learnt invaluable life skills such as responding to life-threatening situations under extreme pressure, as well as increased concentration.
Owen said the course also helped participants grow in confidence, as well as make new friends
Participants who have completed the course are eligible for annual life-saving jobs running from December to February, as well as permanent positions countrywide at pool or sea facilities.
In the years that the course has been running, the club’s volunteers have played a vital role in safeguarding swimmers and promoting community education in water safety, as well as being involved in conservation efforts.
In SA, 29% of fatal drowning’s occur among children aged below 14 years. As such ongoing community awareness programmes on water safety is necessary.
The course is open to anyone.
Tuition fees are R1,000 and membership and affiliation to Lifesaving SA is a further R480.
The course runs for three months on weekends.
For more information, email
alidaowen@mweb.co.za.
