Beach Training with Bournemouth Lifeguard Corps

Overview

• We're excited to offer lifesavers from Keynsham LSC and Bristol LSC the chance to spend a day training alongside Bournemouth Life Guard Corps!

• During this trip you'll learn how to spot hazards and stay safe on the beach, then you'll be able to try some international lifesaving sport events (including beach sprints, beach relays, and beach flags).

• After a short break we'll hit the sea for an open-water swimming session, then after lunch you'll be taught how to use a rescue board, and find out what it takes to be a beach lifeguard with a tour of Ops Room and a practice lifeguard incident.

• There is a small chance that we may be able to offer a ride in BLGC's inshore rescue powerboat too (but don't get your hopes up: this is subject to the availability of a qualified driver, weather, and how busy the beach is).

• After a packed day at the beach we'll stop off for a well-deserved sausage-and-chip supper on the way home. All activities are subject to change dependant on the conditions / staffing on the day.

Transport

• There are a limited number of places available on the minibus (departing Tesco Brislington at 7:25am and Keynsham Leisure Centre at 7:45am; returning to Keynsham Leisure Centre at 8pm and Tesco Brislington at 8:15pm).

• Alternatively, if you wish to make your own way to Bournemouth you should park in Durley Chine Car Park, Bournemouth, BH2 5JF and walk East along the promenade for 300m until you reach the Bournemouth Lifeguard Headquarters (www.what3words.com/galaxy.recall.fade). We'll meet you there at 10:15am for a 10:30am start. Parents are free to watch the training from the beach or promenade, or if you prefer you can head-off to explore Bournemouth and the surrounding area, as long as you return to collect your child by 4pm when the activities finish.

Pre-requisites and Water Safety

• No previous experience of open-water lifesaving is required; however, participants must be at least 8 years old and have a good level of water fitness (participants should be able to complete a continuous swim of 100m on their front and 100m on their back, and be able to surface dive and tread water for 2 minutes).

• With a few simple precautions, swimming in open water is generally safe. There is always a small risk of infection associated with swimming in open water, but this can be minimised by a few common-sense preventative measures: cover open wounds with a plaster before entering the water, avoid swallowing the water, shower thoroughly after training, and wash your face and hands before eating or drinking. If you feel ill or develop flu-like symptoms up to 30 days after swimming in open water, you should take the precaution of seeing a doctor.

Kit List

• We will be outside all day, so it is important to be well prepared for the weather. I have put together a list of kit that your child should bring with them (See below). Participants should not wear any jewellery or bring any valuables to the beach. Participants in the trip will be representing their lifesaving club and will be expected to behave in an appropriate manner at all times.

• You should bring:
  • Packed lunch
  • Plenty of snacks
  • Personal Medication
  • Swimming costume (no bikinis please)
  • A well fitting-wetsuit – ideally you should bring one with long legs because it’ll protect your knees when using rescue craft. If you can’t borrow one they are available cheaply from The Range, Go Outdoors, and some larger supermarkets.
  • Goggles
  • 2 x Towels
  • A brightly coloured swimming hat
  • Sun hat
  • Sun glasses
  • Waterproof sun cream (At least factor 40)
  • Waterproof coat
  • 2 x T-Shirt & shorts to swim in
  • Shorts
  • Trainers
  • Water bottle
  • Wet-clothes bag
  • A small amount of money
  • Spare change of clothes
  • Warm Jumpers
  • Lace-up shoes to wear in the water (Not sandals because they’ll fall off)

Questions

If you have any questions about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss.

Yours sincerely,

David "Blondie" Fielding
07921 719 291 / chair@klsc.co.uk