lifeguards
When I read about jet-skis in the newspapers it always seems to be bad press. Now I read that some Local Authorities are preparing to introduce by-laws to control their use on beaches. Well this makes sense as like many of you I have seen some crazy behavior on beaches where both swimmers and surfers are in the water. Not only can they present a danger to other water users but also to themselves. Accidents also happen, not necessary as a result of bad behavior, and sadly this has resulted in loss of life.
But having said that..... wehat about the positive side. I think that they could be a tremendous asset to Lifeguards. You can get out through the surf breaks with ease and go from point A to B in secs !! One Lifeguard could cover a zone more effectively and speedily. This system works well in Lanzarote. From the employers perspective it could be cost effective as it might mean less Lifeguards!
The introduction of proper training and a licensing system for the individual rider would be a good start. Limiting the age to which one can opertate a ski and enforced control of the 'renting out' of skis could also help.
We are all waiting (patiently!) on the introduction of the 'additional specialist modules' to the beach Lifeguard programme, especially surf rescue and advanced Lifeguard fitness. So come on RLSS - let's have a 'specialist' additional module to the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification to develop the skills of Lifeguards in the use of jet-skis!!.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Jet-skis for Beach Lifeguards
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4 comments:
At the moment it is only the RNLI and the Surf lifesaving Association UK that run RWC courses these have been developed from the Austrailian and Hawaian Lifeguards training manuals. I beleave a new training manual is being developed for the RNLI and SLSA UK and will be available in March 2006
Thanks Tim, for your comments. Please keep us up to date with developments. I visited your website and I am impressed. What are your views on ther proposed additional 'specialist modules' for the NBLQ?
Best Regards,
Jack
Hi Jack I am all in favour of the specialist modules, am also keen to see how the lifesaving for sport develops both localy and further afield. The problem with RWC as a specialist module is their is no definitive training guidlines so the only ones ahead of the game are RNLI and SLSA UK .I would be keen to adopt their training methods rather than trying to develop a different system and adapt it to suit the local conditions of that particular Unit.
Regards Tim
Any ones thoughts comments on IRB soft inflateable boats and their use in relation to RWC and the costs of running and maintaining them. Any one in the process of updating their training delivery of this specialist module and do we need to adopt a specific type of size craft to give uniform training across the board
Tim
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