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The Heat is on for 2008 National Pool Lifeguard Championships

This year’s National Pool Lifeguard Championships is promising to be the biggest team lifeguarding challenge ever. Due to the number of entrants expected the ISRM and IQL have introduced regional heats which will take place in June, across the UK. Heat winners will qualify for the national final which will be held in Birmingham on 1st November 2008.

The championships, now in its fourth year, allow sports clubs and leisure centres to showcase their lifeguarding talent whilst testing their skill and motivating their teams.

The Championships is now able to accommodate 18 teams of six per heat, which is a total of 144 teams. Only 24 teams will make it through to the national final in Birmingham where they will battle it out to take the title from reigning champions Cardiff.

The regional heats will be taking place in June: The Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland venue is to be confirmed, Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Scotland, Leigh Indoor Sports Centre in Manchester, Warwick School in the Midlands, Parkside Pool in Cambridge, Brecon Pool in Wales and at Bath University.

For more details about the Regional and National Pool Lifeguard Championships contact Pete Whittall on 07974 184532 or pete@ltas.co.uk, or Alex Blackwell, Pool Lifeguard Programme Manager on 01789 773994 or AlexBlackwell@iql.org.uk.

If you want to motivate your Lifeguards, test their skills and compare them with others throughout the UK enter the Lifeguard Triathlon and Pool Lifeguard Championships. For more details on the Lifeguard Triathlon email David Cartlidge DFCartlidge@aol.com.

National Pool Lifeguard Championships downloads:

The Regional Pool Lifeguard Championships - Rules

National Pool Lifeguard Championships - Team Application Form

ISRM/IQL Lifeguard Triathlon downloads:

Assessment Information

Lifeguard Triathlon - Application Form

Opportunity for youngsters to participate in television series ‘Lifeguarding USA’

An observational documentary series aimed at young viewers between the ages of 12 and 16 will broadcast on a major national television channel. Six self-sufficient, outgoing and ambitious, 16 to 17 year olds from the UK will be put through their paces at the world’s largest Lifeguarding Programme in California during the Summer of 2008. If you would like participate in this or find further details please click on the links for the application form and poster.

National Lifesaving Championships 2008

Saturday 22nd November 2008,
Ponds Forge, Sheffield

Details have now been published for the Branch, Regional & National Finals of this competition.

For Rules click here and for additional regional places click here . Should you require further information please call Jane Hepburn at RLSS UK on 01789 774217 or email janehepburn@rlss.org.uk

National Conference 2008

10th - 11th May 2008
Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, Northamptonshire

All the information you need to register at the RLSS UK Annual Conference is below.  The following notes should be read in conjunction with the Programme (Conference 2008a and Conference 2008b ), which covers both wet and dry elements, and in some cases will allow delegates to obtain qualifications.

Individual Delegates only - please complete the tear off application form and Appendix 1. If appropriate complete and return this paperwork to Jane Hepburn at RLSS UK, River House, High Street, Broom, Warwickshire B50 4HN by the closing date of 10 March 2008.  All bookings will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be valid if full payment is enclosed.

Free Youth or Club Places - If you are applying for one of the free Youth or Club places, in the first instance, please complete the tear off application form and Appendix 1 . These documents should be returned to Jane Hepburn at RLSS UK, River House, High Street, Broom, Warwickshire B50 4HN who will notify your local Branch of your interest and your application will be considered with any others received within the relevant Branch.

To have the best chance to be successful, please send these documents to Jane Hepburn as soon as possible, but at the very latest by 15 February 2008 in order to be considered.  If the free place has been allocated, you can of course attend as a paying Delegate.

For anyone wishing to take part in Dragon’s Den – Please complete Appendix 2.

If you have any questions, please call Jane Hepburn on 01789 774217 or email janehepburn@rlss.org.uk

It's here - Rookie Lifeguard

Further information please visit www.lifesavers.org.uk/rookie/

The National Honours Ceremony for 2008

Saturday 4th October 2008,
Guildhall, London
Click here for the full story

Flood Tips

1. If you live in an area previously affected by flooding, have an action plan in case a flood occurs. This should include being aware where the highest points of land are that you can take refuge on.

2. If your locality is likely to flood you will be contacted by the Floodline Agency. If you are advised by them to leave your home, do so immediately.

3. If you leave your home, make sure that everyone at your address is accounted for and that relevant people know where you are heading.

4. Be aware that if a flood occurs telephone landlines may not work, so ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged.

5. In a flood situation advise everyone to remain at least 3 metres from the water and never allow children to go near flood water. It is hazardous and may be contaminated.

6. If you see someone struggling in the water, the rule is never to put yourself in danger. Always call the emergency services and monitor the situation from a safe place.

7. If you do decide to go to the rescue, ensure that you remain as safe as possible. Do not enter the water yourself. Never go alone. Use any relevant safety equipment you may have. Life jackets, canoeing bump hats, throw ropes and a solid object for a reaching rescue are all useful. Never tie yourself to a rope, which can get snagged underwater and drag you down.

8. During extreme weather conditions the emergency services will be very busy, so only call for assistance if there is a risk to life or serious environmental damage.

9. Keep an eye on friends and neighbours, especially the elderly who may be at risk of hypothermia after their homes have flooded.

10. Motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roads. The flood may be deep or fast moving and vehicles can be quickly swept away.