Surf lifesaving comes to Anglesey beaches

In the exam, lifeguards will perform a run-swim-run in the beach and sea

A surf lifesaving carnival has been held at a Rhosneigr beach in the first step towards improving safety at the seaside on Anglesey.

In an initiative by Anglesey Council, a number of lifesaving organisations were invited to help run taster sessions of beach activities for all age groups, all tied in with the theme of beach safety.

Over 30 people got the chance to try out a rescue boat, surfing, kayaking and other games designed to improve their skills. Chris Parry from Surf Lifesaving Wales, one of the organising partners, was impressed with what he saw.

"The guys up at Rhosneigr worked hard and everyone was really enthusiastic," he said.

Surf lifesaving is a truly multi-disciplined sport, which takes place in the pool, on the beach and in the sea. Simon Jones, Anglesey outoor activities officer

"We've got 25 clubs and over 2,500 volunteers, but they're predominantly in south Wales.

"So we secured funding to try and develop clubs in north Wales and so far we've had these taster days in Barmouth, Abersoch and now Rhosneigr."

Between 400 and 600 people drown in the UK every year. Around 20% of those deaths take place on beaches and coastal waters.

The aim of this session was to demonstrate various rescue techniques and encourage more to join members of the Anglesey Lifesavers' Club which is training people to qualify as voluntary beach lifeguards.

It is hoped that during peak periods next summer they will provide cover on one or more of Anglesey's beaches, with a view to extending this service to other beaches in the future.

The lifeguards must be familiar with rips, tides and currents

"Only people over 16 can take the exam to become a full lifeguard," said Alwyn Davies who runs the Anglesey Lifesavers Club.

"They should be quite a strong swimmer with confidence in the water. Remember - there's a difference between swimming in the pool and in the sea."

The training course includes gaining skills in first aid, resuscitation, using boards and tubes to reach struggling swimmers and reading the weather and tides.

"There is a junior course for children over 12, too" said Alwyn.

"A few years ago, a 13 year old girl drowned off Llanddwyn, so it would be great to have some volunteer guards on our beaches, which can get very busy."

Sport

Another aim of the taster day was to develop the sport of surf lifesaving on Anglesey, designed to help promote and improve vital skills through competition.

Anglesey Council's outdoor activities officer, Simon Jones, explained: "Surf lifesaving is a truly multi-disciplined sport, which takes place in the pool, on the beach and in the sea.

"With close ties to swimming, athletics, kayaking, rowing, surfing and power boating, it's all based on the equipment and skills of lifeguards.

"The qualifications that can be gained through the Royal Lifesaving Society and Surf Lifesaving Wales are internationally recognised, and may lead to employment possibilities in the UK and further afield."