Feb 2013 Newsletter
Last weekend I had the privilege of helping 11 lifesavers to qualify as Lifesaving Instructors. The lifesavers were a diverse group: young, old; male and female; some had been lifesaving for years, others only started 6 months ago. The one thing that they all had in common was a desire to put something back into their clubs and communities. What a fantastic example! If they've inspired you to get involved, I can definitely recommend this year's RLSS West Region international exchange: as well as being great fun, young people can learn the team-work and communications skills that they need to become a "lifesaving leader of the future". Sign up NOW!
International Lifesaving Exchange: 26 Jul - 3 Aug 2013
Bringing young people together; equipping and inspiring them to become “Lifesaving Leaders of the Future”...
 For the third year in a row, the Royal Lifesaving Society West Region is running an international youth lifesaving exchange, and we want YOU to take part!
We'll travel to Germany and take part in the ResQ Cup (an open water lifesaving festival). We'll then embark on our exciting NEW programme of leadership and communication training with our German partners. There'll be plenty of time for socialising and relaxing too! All this costs just £250 for 8 days! See http://rlsswest.org.uk/west-region/international-exchange/ for more information or to download an application form by 28 Feb 2013.
Keynsham LSC Open Competition - 20 Apr 2013
 Keynsham Lifesaving Club are holding their first ever open lifesaving competition and they want YOU to take part! This event makes an ideal introduction to competitive lifesaving because it’s specifically aimed at lifesavers without little or no prior experience of competitions.
Teams of two will compete in a Land-Based Initiative Test, Aquatic Initiative Test, Line Throw, Obstacle Swim, Swim and Tow, and 50m Freestyle Relay (time permitting). The competition is open to lifesavers in school years 6-13. There are no prerequisite awards required and they'll even match you with a partner if you don't have anyone to compete with!
Enter by 28 Feb 2013 for a special reduced rate of just £8 per person (normally £10). See www.klsc.co.uk/competition for full details.
Lifesaving Instructor Course
Congratulations to Hannah, Alice, Helen, Evie, Alex and Alan! These six Avon & North Wiltshire members were amongst eleven lifesavers who attended the Lifesaving Instructors course in Bri stol last weekend. All candidates passed with flying colours, and will now go on to teach the new RLSS Survive and Save awards within Bristol Uni LSC and Keynsham LSC.
If these lifesavers have inspired you to train as an instructor, please contact avon@rlsswest.org.uk and we'll send you details of our next course.
British University Lifesaving Nationals - 16/17 Mar 2013
 The national student championships will be taking place on the 16th/17th March 2013 at the University of Bath. We're entering an Avon & North Wiltshire Branch team, which is open to lifesavers of any ability from within the branch.
Please see the BULSCA website for more details about the competition or e-mail avon@rlsswest.org.uk if you'd like to join the A&NW team.
Help Us Reward Our Volunteers...
 Every lifesaving group in the area relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to keep things running smoothly: teachers, committee members, parents and helpers all have their part to play. This is your chance to recognise the work that volunteers do for you within the branch!
Please take a few minutes to e-mail avon@rlsswest.org.uk if you know of someone within your Club, Group or ATC who's work deserves to be recognised! Further information can be found on the RLSS Website. Please submit your nominations by 28 Feb 2013. |
Volunteer Together Exchange
Here's another fantastic youth exchange opportunity! Join lifesavers from Iceland, the Czech Republic and Germany in Stolberg from 9-16 Aug 2013. The deadline has been extended to 18 Feb. Visit http://www.rlssonline.com/index.php/volunteers/opportunities/volunteer-together-exchange-deadline-extended to sign-up now!
NPLQ TA Wanted
Bath Uni LSC are planning to run an NPLQ course. If you are an NPLQ TA and would be available to teach on Wednesday afternoons, please get in touch with avon@rlsswest.org.uk : you'll be paid, and they'll cover your travel expenses too!
Lake Supervisors Wanted
Looking for a summer job? How about using your lifesaving skills to be a supervisor at Henleaze Swimming Lake in Bristol? Check out http://rlsswest.org.uk/henleazevacancies/ for full details...
Open Water Course
RLSS Avon & North Wiltshire is pleased to offer the Emergency Response Activity Supervisor qualification. This course will give you the practical lifesaving skills that you need to supervise, teach or coach programmed activity at open water sites. See http://rlsswest.org.uk/event/eras_day1/ for full details.
New Competition Officer
RLSS Avon & North Wiltshire is pleased to welcome Kevin Hands from Bradford on Avon LSC onto the committee as our new Competition Officer. Kevin is in charge of encouraging branch members to get involved in lifesaving sport. You can get in touch with Kevin at avon@rlsswest.org.uk
"Spice up Your Training"
If you missed the recent "Spice up Your Training" session at Bath University, don't despair: you can download the handouts from the RLSS West Region Website.
Drowning Prevention Week
Drowning Prevention Week takes place from 22-30 Jun 2013. Watch our website for news of events in the branch...
Keep In Touch
We love hearing your news, so please keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or E-mail. Please let me know if you have any news for the next edition of the newsletter.
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