Keep Swimming!

You should test your time at the beginning of the programme and then at the end. You may do each segment on its own or add them all together in one session depending on your fitness level and ability.

These drills assume that you have a reasonable swimming technique in the first place. For some tips on improving your swimming technique go to the BBC Sports Acadamy.

Your final exam to gain the Beach Lifeguard qualification is not the end of your training, in fact it is only the start.

We always welcome qualified lifeguards into the club, wherever you initially completed your training.

You must undertake regular training throughout the 2-year validity of your qualification. Qualified trainers are always available at NSVL to supervise training, log hours and arrange assessments.

The body boards will be used by the Rookies at the beach through the summer and in the pool through the winter.

In total, this means the Rookies now have the benefit of 10 Nipper boards, 10 body boards, 2 wave skis and 8 junior rescue tubes.

Placing a casualty in the recovery position

Lifesaving isn't just about rescuing people from water, you can learn how to save lives without even going near water!

Some of the most important skills to learn are basic life support techniques for resuscitating people who are unconscious.

RLSS UK has a number of awards to teach these skills, suitable for all ages.

The Life Support awards are standard as part of the other water-based lifesaving awards, but can also be taken separately.

NSVL has a number of First Aid trainers and can organise HSE approved Appointed Person and First Aid at Work courses.

The First Aid at Work course is 24 hours (or 4 days) and lasts 3 years. A revalidation of qualification is currently 12 hours (2 days).

There is also an Appointed Person certificate which is a basic qualification run over 1 day and the minimum level of first aid cover suggested for small workplaces.

For more information on First Aid requirements, visit the HSE web site at www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid

First Responder Kit

Basic life support (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) can buy vital minutes, but it will not actually restart the heart. For cardiac arrest victims, it is essential that they receive the electric shock from a defibrillator as soon as possible - each minute it is delayed reduces the chance of surivival by 10%.

Just a few years ago this shock from a defibrillator could only be given when paramedics arrived, but in recent years the increasing number Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have meant that anyone with the appropriate training can give that vital shock.

As well as our extensive training in Basic Life Support, NSVL is able to offer training for this Extended Life Support, which teaches you how to use AEDs, oxygen therapy and suction.

Training can be offered to First Responder units and any other workplace with defibrillators and oxygen equipment.

Putting a casualty in the recovery position

Would you know what to do in a life-threatening emergency?

The skills of emergency life support are simple and can save lives.

Emergency Life Support is the set of actions needed to keep someone alive until professional help arrives.

They include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), dealing with choking, serious bleeding and helping someone that may be having a heart attack.