Could You Be a Pool Lifeguard?

As part of the new Mallee Sports Assembly (MSA) - Loddon Mallee Region Move It Project – “Beyond the Front Step”, it has been identified that swimming activities are high on the list for the Buloke Shire. 

Programs were conducted in Wycheproof, Donald and Sea Lake under the project. 

Rhonda Allan, of the Mallee Sports Assembly, and Sandy Pollington, of the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre (WCRC) Wycheproof Active Neighbours Project, funded by Musculoskeletal Australia, are working in partnership, with great support from the Buloke Shire Council to attract more people, especially older adults (65-plus years) to include regular physical activity into their lifestyles. 

One of the ongoing issues is that each pool season there is a shortage of qualified lifeguards within the Buloke Shire. 

Through funding received, the MSA and WCRC are offering to fund suitable candidates who want to become active members in their local community, be trained, learn another skill, increase their employment opportunities — but, more importantly, people who will be available during the summer season to “man” the pools within the Buloke Shire.

Requirements
The requirements for people to become a lifeguard are as follows:
1. They need to be able to swim 200m under 6 minutes.
2. Retrieve a brick from the bottom of a 3mtr pool - duck diving.
3. Hold a HLTAID003 First Aid Certificate to be able to enroll for the Lifeguard Course.
4. CPR up to date.
5. Dedicated and responsible people, who live in the Buloke Shire and will be available to work as a Lifeguard during the summer season
6. Candidates are to have a reasonable level of health and fitness.

Training
The training on the day also consists of - 
1. Emergency Care.
2. Administer Oxygen in an emergency. 
3. Perform basic water rescues. 
4. Supervise patrons in aquatic locations. 
5. Perform advanced water rescues.

This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill without the cost.

For further enquiries please contact either Rhonda Allan (Mallee Sports Assembly, ph. 0427 780 109; email, rhonda@malleesportsassembly.org.au, or Sandy Pollington (Wycheproof Community Resource Centre, ph. 03.5493 7455; email, mwcrc@bigpond.net.au