First ever ‘Girls in Lifeguarding Day’ a resounding success
On Wednesday 21 August the first ‘Girls in Lifeguarding Day’ was held at St Agnes Surf Lifesaving Club, where 25 girls between the ages of 11-16 learnt all about becoming a lifeguard.
Organised by Dulcie Havers, an 18-year-old RNLI lifeguard and member of St Agnes Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), the day aimed to encourage girls who are part of the SLSC to continue practising their skills throughout their teenage years and consider working as a lifeguard in the future.
Having been a member of St Agnes SLSC from a very young age, Dulcie Havers became involved in volunteer beach patrols alongside the lifeguards and then got a lifeguarding job with the RNLI.
Dulcie said:
‘Primarily it was my own experience of the shortage of women lifeguards that inspired me to organise the event, but also it helped me to have a female role model in lifeguarding who showed that women could totally do it, and I wanted to give other girls that confidence.’
During the day the girls learnt all about the role of a lifeguard, including lessons in first aid, using a radio, and patrolling the water’s edge. There was also a discussion and Q+A session about different women’s experiences in lifesaving roles.
Iona Fisher discussed the benefits of volunteering with the RNLI’s beach patrols and Beth Simons, a Helm for St Agnes lifeboat, gave the girls a tour of the lifeboat station. As more women are going into lifeguarding, the kit is also evolving and lifeguard Jenna Richards spoke about how the introduction of lightweight Bennett rescue boards make it much easier for women to navigate surf and carry out rescues.
The day was a huge success with the girls who participated unanimously saying that they had a great time.
One of the girls in attendance said:
‘I would love to be a lifeguard when I am older and today made me want to do it more!’
Dulcie, who is going to university in October, plans to continue running these events in the future:
‘There will definitely be more ‘Girls in Lifeguarding’ events next summer and I am intending to tour with them slightly so we can reach other areas and surf clubs to try and spread the enthusiasm and excitement for girls in lifeguarding as much as possible.’
Notes to editors
- Please find attached pictures of the Girls in Lifeguarding Day.
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