Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Awards for future lifesavers

A mixed team of Lisburn Cadets and local young people have succeeded in qualifying for the highly coveted award The Royal Life Saving Society, Bronze Medallion and Life Support at the Menin Gate Swimming Pool on Thiepval Garrison.

A mixed team of Lisburn Cadets and local young people have succeeded in qualifying for the highly coveted award The Royal Life Saving Society, Bronze Medallion and Life Support at the Menin Gate Swimming Pool on Thiepval Garrison.

A MIXED team of Lisburn Cadets and local young people have succeeded in qualifying for the highly coveted award The Royal Life Saving Society, Bronze Medallion and Life Support at the Menin Gate Swimming Pool on Thiepval Garrison.

The team of six Sea Cadets, two Air Cadets and four young people from the local area underwent a gruelling ten week programme of training which culminated in an assessment that would test the mettle of many a seasoned athlete.

Under the inspirational tutelage of resident Swimming Specialist Pauline Crockard and her team, the young Lifesavers learned how to conduct rescues from land, from water, with and without contact, and even how to conduct rescue breaths with casualties in the water.

To qualify, the candidates were assessed in all of the above together with a theory test and an initiative test which challenged the knowledge, communication skills and quick thinking abilities of the young people who had already endured a physically demanding morning of fitness and competence testing.

The Training Officer from Lisburn Sea Cadets, Petty Officer (SCC) Stuart Christy said of the success: "From the weekly dedication of Pauline and her staff team to the commitment of the Lifesavers under training who gave up their weekends to train and be trained; the awarding of these Bronze Medallions symbolises tremendous civic devotion and selfless commitment from all involved. It has been humbling to witness the development of the participants as Pauline's vision came to fruition."

The young Lifesavers were presented their certificates and Bronze Medallions by the present Commanding Officer of Lisburn Sea Cadets, Lt (SCC) Robert MacLennan RNR.

Lisburn's Lifesavers were P. Clarke, O. Snape, E. Snape and J. Bradshaw. From Lisburn Sea Cadets were OCs L. Fitzhenry, A. Fitzhenry, P. Fitzpatrick, R. Johnson and Cdts M. Ferris and C. Ullmann. From 817 (Lisburn) Squadron were Cdt C. Boyle and Cdt Cpl E. Hassard.

The Cadet organisations in Lisburn offer substantial opportunities for adventure, training and personal growth that benefits both the Cadets and the wider Lisburn community. Cadets gain recognised qualifications like Bronze Medallion or even BTECs as reward for their endeavours on land, sea and in the air.

A mixed team of Lisburn Cadets and local young people have succeeded in qualifying for the highly coveted award The Royal Life Saving Society, Bronze Medallion and Life Support at the Menin Gate Swimming Pool on Thiepval Garrison.

Ulster Star
18/11/2011