Resuscitating the need to help others

Established in 1991, the Linden Lifesaving Club has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Now it can boast that its members have competed in the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Durban, and the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The club’s fundraising manager, Cheryl Johnston said that the club trains at the Linden Swimming Pool from 6pm to 8pm on a Wednesday night and also on Saturdays from 9am to 11am. She explained that depending on their age, lifesavers are classified differently. A nipper lifesaver is a swimmer aged seven to 13 years old. A junior lifesaver is a swimmer aged 14 to 15, who works toward attaining their junior lifeguard award (JLA). Senior lifeguards are those 16 years and older who get their lifeguard award. Masters are who Johnston calls the “mid-adults and older”, although there is no specific age category.

Johnston further divulged that once you get your JLA, you can begin doing actual patrolling and rescues.

“From then on you can have your patrol hours recognised as community service hours,” said Johnston.

She added that you can also get a job as a lifeguard. However, those jobs are normally only given to you when you are at least 18 years old, and by organisations that are looking for lifeguards.

Through the course, Johnston said that the children gain community service hours for university, can act as first-aid officers at school – as level two first-aid training is part of your certification. She went on to add that they are also able to rescue others and know how to respond to a medical crisis that occurs in or near water, such as a head or spinal injury, or a heart attack.

Johnston also said that what she most admired is the extreme dedication and commitment the lifeguards show others and often, under stressful circumstances.

Details: Linden Lifesaving Club, info@lindenlifesaving.co.za or 072 037 8491.

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