AN EVENING was held by Droitwich Lifesaving Club to celebrate the achievements of its members and to toast the organisation becoming the first of its kind in Herefordshire and Worcestershire to achieve the prestigious ClubMark accolade.
Members, parents and teachers all went along to the event where the ClubMark certificate was presented to two of the senior group members Carl Ridsdale and Thomas Hodgson by local councillor Richard Morris. He also handed out a host of other awards, including the RLSS Beach certificates achieved in Barry Island and RLSS Survive and Save accolades.
The club’s members work hard all year round to achieve different Royal Lifesaving Society qualifications, which include exams in beach and lake situations and three exams in the pool. These assessments test their ability to rescue casualties and use their initiative as well as stretching them physically.
Chairperson Rhian Hughes and the rest of the committee and teachers were congratulated for their hard work and perseverance in achieving such a high standard.
Stuart Cooper from Stroke Association West Midlands gave an informative talk to members of all ages, along with parents.
His speech included how to recognise the symptoms of a stroke, how to help stroke victims and how to prevent them. He also sppoke about the work carried out by The Stroke Association to help people get their lives back on track after a stroke.
After the formalities, there was a buffet and a fun swim for club members.
Chairperson Rhian Hughes said: “It’s been great to see such a good turnout tonight, especially the plenty of parents who came here to share our excitement.
“Stuart was great and we all learned loads.
“I am so proud of all the members for the awards they have achieved, and absolutely thrilled that our club has been presented with ClubMark.
“We’ve worked very hard to get it and it’s a true testament to the high standard of teaching we deliver here.”
Coun Morris said he was delighted to be able to present the ClubMark and other awards.
“It is clear to me this is an exceptionally well run club with some fantastic youngsters enjoying themselves and also learning very important skills which will support them throughout their lives.”
Members of Droitwich Lifesaving Club meet on Sundays from 6pm at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre.
Call Rhian Hughes on 07814 227688 for more information or to find out about joining.
