NEWS ARCHIVE
Lifeguard Training for Students
The RNLI are working in cooperation with Falmouth Marine School to help provide training for students so that they can volunteer on local beaches during their summer vacation.
Martyn Ward and Simon Culliford from the RNLI attended Falmouth Marine School on Tuesday 21 April to talk to students about opportunities to get involved in the volunteer lifeguard scheme in the local area.
Students from all four course areas were invited to attend the talk.
David Meacock studying Marine Sports Science Foundation Degree said: "That was really good and informative, the guys were really friendly and I can see myself volunteering on the beaches. I am aiming to take my National Aquatic Rescue Service (NARs) at the end of May and can't wait to get involved with the RNLI."
Simon said: "There were some very interesting questions and the students seemed to have a lot of relevant experience. The local beaches are getting more and more visitors each year and this scheme is all about getting local people involved in assisting full-time lifeguards with safeguarding our popular beaches."
Pete Osman studying Marine Leisure Management Foundation Degree said after the talk: "That was really interesting and inspiring. I am going to keep working on my swim fitness with the College on Tuesdays to ensure I can get my swim-time down to hopefully take advantage of this fantastic opportunity next year."
Steve Bowens, Curriculum Area Manager, Leisure & Watersports at Falmouth Marine School said: "Up until two years ago we used to run the NARs Beach lifeguard and the lifeguard instructor courses at College for our students, with a only a handful going on to work on local beaches. However now that the RNLI are helping with the training with this new volunteer scheme, we are likely to see many more students patrolling local beaches such as Gyllyngvase, which is fantastic."
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College commented: "What a great opportunity for students to gain essential work experience while also volunteering for one of the most important organisations in the South West."
All Foundation Degrees are validated by the University of Plymouth.
