On course to save lives

The people behind High Peak’s leisure venues have organised a course that is a must for anyone wanting to work in a swimming pool.

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is universally recognised as the minimum qualification for lifeguards.

Now, the Borough Council has joined forces with DC Leisure and the Royal Life Saving Society to run a qualification course at Glossop Swimming Pool from Monday, September 17 to the following Friday (21 September).

The course will teach the principles and application of supervision before revealing how to carry out a rescue.

Trainees must be competent to jump and dive into deep water, swim 50 metres in no more than a minute, and swim 100 metres continuously on front and back. They must also be able to tread water for 30 seconds in deep water, dive to the deepest part of the pool and climb out unaided without using steps or ladder.

The course costs £195, and trainees should book in advance by calling Dan Crowther on (01457) 842262.

Anthony McKeown, executive councillor for community services, said: “Knowing how to save someone’s life in water is a vital skill, and this good value course will not only give you valuable skills and a useful qualification but could also help you on the route to a future career in the leisure industry.”