Red Group Dives into Life-Saving Skills

Over the past two weeks, our Year 5 and 6 swimmers in the Red Group have enjoyed taking on challenges from the RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard programme, tackling skills across the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. From mastering feet-first surface dives to navigating the complexities of underwater swims, the students showed impressive focus and a growing sense of responsibility in the water.

The sessions weren’t just limited to the pool itself; students practised vital land-based rescues, including accurately throwing ropes and buoyant aids to “drowning” casualties up to 10 meters away. In the water, they demonstrated the lifesaving sidestroke while towing casualties and performed shallow-turn rescues for “unconscious” swimmers. These drills are designed to build confidence and composure in high-pressure situations, and our students rose to the occasion brilliantly.

The highlight – and perhaps the greatest challenge – was the “clothed swimming” sessions. Dressed in long sleeves and trousers, the children successfully completed a three-minute treading water challenge before learning how to safely remove excess clothing in the water and swim a further 50 meters. This vital exercise teaches swimmers how to manage the weight and restriction of everyday clothes in an emergency.

We are incredibly proud of the grit and skill shown by all our potential ‘Rookie Lifeguards’!