Lifesaving skills & Aquatic Exercise for Older Australians
Thanks to the warm weather we’re seeing more older residents taking an active interest in aquatic exercise or having fun with their grandchildren in our pools. So we are pleased to announce that Wingecarribee Shire Council is partnering with the Royal Life Saving Society to offer Grey Medallion courses specifically for people aged over 55 years.
“Whether you want to improve your health and wellbeing or learn the skills to save someone from drowning, the Grey Medallion course will be very worthwhile,” said Jon Hook, Council’s Business Services Manager.
The Grey Medallion was developed by Royal Life Saving to encourage participation in aquatic exercise, combat an increase in drownings and to provide the over 55’s age group with skills particularly focussed on the aquatic environment.
“The course is delivered in a flexible style and provides older residents with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of their personal water safety skills and knowledge. It’s a great opportunity to exercise and have fun while learning skills that may one day save a life,” Mr Hook said.
The Grey Medallion program has four main components:
- Water safety knowledge explores ways to manage the dangers of aquatic locations such as rivers, dams and pools, as well as activities like boating and fishing.
- Resuscitation and emergency care provides participants with the skills to recognise an emergency, create an action plan for dealing with drowning or cardiac arrest and providing aftercare.
- Aquatic exercise offers opportunities to exercise in water and develop or improve swimming skills in a fun and non-threatening way which caters for all needs.
- Personal survival and lifesaving skills includes techniques to help with entering and exiting water safely, treading water, floating and basic non-contact skills such as wade and reach rescues.
The course will be held over 2 weeks at the Bowral Swimming Centre and participants are required to attend four x 2 hour sessions.
Place: Bowral Pool
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Days: Tuesday 14 January 2014
Thursday 16 January 2014
Tuesday 21 January 2014
Thursday 23 January 2014
Cost: $50
If you interested in taking up this significant opportunity or require further information, please contact Bowral Pool on 4861 2598 or visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs