Lifesaver and First Aid

[Bob Healey]

Hi,

What are the feelings of other Instructors who are dealing with youngsters about the introduction of a Junior Lifesaving course and Junior First Aid course. Keeping it basic, aiming at the 8 to 12 year olds. Forgetting AV in the water but consentrating on the tow and grip. I know there are 9 and 10 yr olds who are capable of the full course but this would be to cater for the many others and it is something for them to aim for and maintain their interest.

All the courses we have at present are from Scuba who start at a much later age.

An thoughts for or against?

Cheers

Bob Healey
North West Regional Snorkel Advisor.

[Graham Griffiths]

Excellent idea.

The full snorkel rescue is hard for under 10's and some half way house would give them something to aim for and build their confidence and give them a useful foundation to build upon.
Other types of rescue eg reach with pole could be included

Perhaps it could also be more first aid based rather than just lifesaver - bandages etc

Also how about putting emphasis on personal safety in the water - we could take as our model the swimming clubs water safety modules and make appropriate to snorkelling.

Graham Griffiths ASI390
Dorking Snorkelling Club

[Bob Healey]

Hi Everyone,

I have submitted outline proposals to Alistair for a Lifesaver for Junior Snorkellers Course and First Aid for Junior Snorkellers, both aimed at the 8 to 12 year olds and I have been asked to write up the courses in BSAC format with all the notes.

Before I start doing this, and to make sure nothing important has been missed if anyone would like a look at the programmes in their basic format and pass comments, suggestions, etc, I would be only too happy to email them a copy. Requests can be made via email to northwestsnorkeller@ntlworld.com

Cheers and all the best to everyone for Christmas and many hours of happy snorkelling in the new year.

Bob Healey

[Bob Healey]

Thanks to everyone who contacted me regarding these courses and it would appear that there is overwhelming support for the idea and courses.

I have started writing them up in BSAC format and will be submitting them as quickly as my typing "finger" will allow.

Thanks to everyone once again.

Bob Healey

[Tim Griffiths]

I dont know if this has been considered or not but here goes-
What about looking at the 'Rookie' Lifeguard course provided by the RLSS aimed at this sort of age group and following those princibles

[Nigel Taylor]

Bob - I would be interested to see the proposals.

Regards

Nigel

[Bob Healey]

For the information of those concerned, since posting this message originally we have successful put our younger members through both the Lifesaving and First Aid for Divers SDC, all thoroughly enjoyed it and did as well if not better than the more mature members. They all reached the high standard required with no problem. Decided therefore to keep sending them on the SDC's rather than write something completely new. Just bear in mind the size and weight when towing or carrying, 4 kids can normally carry as much as 2 adults on a stretcher.

Bob Healey.