Lifesavers share knowledge in Sri Lanka

Jessica Sincock (Lorne SLSC), Jacqui Dreher (Fairhaven SLSC) and Michael Henderson (Fairhaven SLSC) were among eight Victorian lifesavers selected for the opportunity.

They helped teach Sri Lankan lifesavers, police, coast guards, and members of the army and navy some of what they had learnt about keeping Australian beaches safe.

Ms Dreher said she was pleased to be given the opportunity to provide this help.

“Our time in Sri Lanka was a truly incredible experience. It was amazing to work with lifesaving candidates from a variety of working backgrounds, and served to be a challenging, exciting and fulfilling experience that I will never forget.”

The group taught different skills such as inland waterway rescues, patrol operations and use of inflatable rescue boats.

Although the group spent seven days in Sri Lanka, the Life Saving Victoria Building Leaders Scholarship that had led them there saw them undertake six months of intensive training.

The training looked to help them develop their leadership skills as well as their technical lifesaving and presenting skills.

Ms Sincock said it was rewarding that the people they were sharing their knowledge with were very eager to learn.

“All the participants clearly wanted to be there and were taking in every word that we said.

“Sri Lanka was beautiful, and everyone was so cheerful and appreciative. I’m already wishing I could do it all again.”