This school holiday, we had the pleasure of hosting our NextGEN Junior Lifeguard program at Cleveland Aquatic Centre, where 127 Children, ages 8 to 16, came together for a fun and educational experience. Over the course of the program, participants had the chance to dive into lifeguard training while building valuable skills in water safety, teamwork, and emergency response.

Throughout the holiday program, the kids took part in a variety of hands-on activities designed to challenge and excite:

• Paddle Board Rescues and Relays: Participants learned how to perform rescues using paddle boards and enjoyed friendly relay races that tested their skills and speed.
• CPR: Junior Lifeguards were trained in CPR techniques, ensuring they are prepared to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Manakin Tow and Relay: Working in teams, the kids towed rescue manakins through the water, practicing real-life techniques in a fun and engaging way.
• Obstacle Course: A thrilling obstacle course helped participants hone their agility, speed, and problem-solving abilities while reinforcing safety protocols.
• Lifejacket Scenarios: using lifejackets, participants learned how to get into the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) and HUDDLE positions – two critical techniques for staying safe in the water in emergency situations.
• Safe Entries: Practicing how to enter the water safety in an emergency, participants learned techniques to ensure quick and controlled access to the water during rescues.

At the end of each session, the energy was high as participants jumped into friendly challenges, eager to showcase all the skills they had mastered throughout the day! These exciting competitions gave the juniors a chance to demonstrate their newfound abilities to instructors, family, and friends, adding an extra sense of pride and accomplishment to the program. It was a thrilling experience for everyone involved, with each participant leaving the program not only more confident but also highly skilled in water safety.

A huge thank you to all our young lifeguards for their enthusiasm and dedication! We can’t wait to see you again next year for another round of action-packed training, teamwork, and fun.