RLSS Poole Lifeguard:
We are, an entirely voluntary club whose aim is to provide safety cover at a number of open water swimming events (including Brownsea Swim), sailing and canoeing events as well as safety cover at sponsored swims, swimming galas and other similar events throughout the year. The Club operates an inshore rescue boat; named ‘Legacy!’ and a low powered craft named ‘Apollo’; both based at Sandbanks. In addition, we have a large number of paddle craft..
Members are encouraged to participate in our safety cover activities and to take RLSS lifesaving and lifeguard qualifications. Our members are trained to be capable of taking individual rescue action or work as a team when the occasion demands.
Membership:
RLSS Poole Lifeguard is open to anyone aged 9 years and above. We offer a range of membership types according to your age and personal circumstances. In addition, a monthly swim fee is payable. Please see our website for current prices. We are volunteers - so you can do as much or as little as you want or whatever you are able to offer. You can just join the Club with the aim to take awards and train at the pool or you can become a Trainer Assessor or even a Coxswain of our Safety Boats. Parents and friends are encouraged and welcome to get involved also.
Training:
Training in lifesaving and lifeguarding skills is given to members both in the swimming pool and in the sea. Thursday evening is our main ‘club night’ which takes place at the Dolphin Swimming Pool. Pool training sessions are held weekly throughout the year (including school holidays). Our session starts at 7pm for Juniors 9to 12yrs and 8pm for Seniors 13+ First Aid, Life Support and other land-based training are also included in these sessions. Assessments are regularly undertaken for RLSS awards
Competitions:
We actively encourage competitions for those who wish to take part, as this is a good way of building team spirits, measuring goals and actively keeping fit. We regularly take part in local lifeguard competitions like the Bournemouth Lifeguard Annual Regatta and the PBCLSA Twilights Series (Beach and Pool series) There are also various speed competitions and lifesaving skill competitions aimed at all ages, including individuals (over 16yrs) and for pairs (under 16yrs).
The club has been very successful at competitions in the past and we have been crowned the RLSS UK’s National Lifeguard champions on at least two occasions, as well as a number of our members competing for the RLSS-UK at international level and gaining Gold/ Silver medals at World Life Saving Championships.
