Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC) will host lifeguard training to prepare new lifeguards for pools this summer. Lifeguard training provides essential life-long professional skills including resuscitation (CPR), aquatic surveillance and rescue techniques, leadership, Level 2 First Aid, communication and much more.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard has the opportunity not only to build long-term life skills, but also further their professional growth.
“By completing the necessary training to become a lifeguard, participants have the opportunity to develop real skills that stay with you for life,” said Cr Colliton.
“Lifeguards play a huge role in supporting our communities by looking out for all residents big and small, to enable them to enjoy our local indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities.”
Council will soon begin recruiting lifeguards for the summer season so undertaking the necessary training is vital to meet eligibility criteria and safety standards. Qualified lifeguards must complete a Pool Lifeguard Certificate, Level 2 First Aid, and a Working with Children Check (for those over 18 years).
“Qualified lifeguards enable us to successfully operate our local swimming pools during the summer months. You may be straight out of the classroom whether that be high school or university and are looking for a summer job. Or you might be someone looking to develop new skills to move into a new profession. Whatever your motivation, get in touch with us to find out how you can become a lifeguard,” concluded Cr Colliton.
Lifeguards Angus Harms and Jayden Duncan believe the training is a great opportunity to build confidence.
“The lifeguard course is incredibly rewarding. It gives me confidence in and around water to help others, as well as providing a set of transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and responsibility," said Harms.
“Training provides us with extra skills such as first aid, water rescue and safety that we can use in many other situations. It’s also good getting to work with a variety of different people and is a great summer job over the school holidays,” concluded Mr Duncan.
Courses will be hosted at HILAC by Life Saving Victoria on the following dates:
• Saturday and Sunday, 16 -17 October 2021
• Saturday and Sunday, 13 - 14 November 2021
The classes will run between 9:00am and 5:00pm and cost is $300 to book. For more information, eligibility criteria and to book a training session, contact HILAC on 5551 4300.