July 28, 2018 - 2164 views
Plans to launch a surf life-saving club in Colwyn Bay takes an important step forward as a number of local organisations join forces to launch a special community training event.
After an excellent response to an open meeting and demonstration held in the Spring, Conwy County Borough Council, Colwyn Bay Watersports, the RNLI and Surf Life Saving Club of Wales are holding a life-saving weekend to give local people support in the setting up of the club and to train as lifesavers.
The programme begins next Thursday (2nd August) with a taster demonstration of Surf Lifesaving on Colwyn Bay beach with support from the RNLI’s inshore boat and rescue teams. This open invitation will give anyone interested in helping the club get a good insight into what is involved and for potential lifesavers to see whether lifesaving training is right for them. As the club is looking for people from all walks of life from administrators to lifesavers, this is an excellent opportunity for local people to come down to offer their support. The event runs between 7 and 9pm.
On Friday 3rd August volunteers who have shown an interest in becoming surf life-savers will be invited to Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre to gain an insight into the water rescue techniques and what would be required of them to attain their surf life-saving qualifications. Following these introductory sessions those still interested will have the opportunity to be part of the lifesaving team and train future volunteers and club members.
The first of the water based and theory courses will take place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August followed by first aid training and final course assessment the following weekend. Skills taught over the two weekends will include basic life-saving, CPR, communication, environmental factors and sea rescue. Everyone taking part will be working towards the internationally recognised National Vocational Beach Life Guard qualification and Surf Lifesaving Wales Level 1 and Level 2 Beach Lifeguard Awards.
Mark Treleavan-Jones who is assisting in the launch of the club said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to get involved in something which will make a real difference to people visiting the beach in Colwyn Bay. Whether it’s helping out behind the scenes or on the beach and rescuing, there’s definitely a role for everyone.”
Surf Lifesaving Association of Wales and the RNLI are heavily committed to supporting the setting up of the club in Colwyn Bay. A number of other coastal areas in North Wales are working to set up clubs along similar lines and it is hoped that in the near future, members will be able to meet up, share skills and compete against each other for fun from time to time.
To find out more about getting involved, simply turn up for the taster demonstration next Thursday from 7pm on Colwyn Bay beach or contact Roger Pierce at roger.pierce@conwy.gov.uk
