Graduates ready to patrol beaches

NINETEEN new Surf Rescue Certificate graduates have joined the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and are ready to patrol beaches as volunteer lifesavers.

The group of 13 and 14 year olds completed Torquay Surf Life Saving Club’s (TSLSC) four-day Surf Rescue Certificate as a prelude to their Bronze Medallion, undertaken after they turn 16 in order to become fully-fledged lifesavers.

Sarah O’Dwyer from TSLSC said the course covered basic CPR, first aid, aquatic rescue, beach and water safety, dealing with the public, and more.

“When they turn 16 they go on to do their Bronze Medallion and build further on these skills,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

“So that’s 19 kids that are now going to become fully-fledged life savers.”

The 19 lifesavers are also involved in TSLSC’s weekly training program, Torquay Rescue, which has about 35 participants.

The program builds on skills developed in the SRC, and encourages teenagers to keep lifesaving up during their older teenage years.

“While a lot of other clubs only really offer training for those who are going to compete, our program is specifically for training kids who just want to keep fit for lifesaving,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

“It’s pretty amazing that these 13 and 14 year olds want to volunteer, it’s not usually a thing you want to do until you’re older.”

She said social connection was a significant reason young lifesavers stay involved in volunteering throughout their teenage years.

“By creating a Surf Rescue group that meets every Saturday morning for training, it created a whole social connection – kids wanted to be there.

“Keeping them socially connected, they’re not going to volunteer on their own; they’re going to volunteer with their friends.”

To find out more about the TSLSC head to torquayslsc.com.au.