LIFEGUARDS IRELAND

2009-06-05T17:28:00.005+01:00

Course Registeration and Late Candidates

2009-04-04T17:11:00.006+01:00

If you are a TA (Beach) reading this post then this is a gentle reminder that you need to register your course a least 10 working days (Don't include Saturdays or Sundays, Public or Bank Holidays) in advance on their proposed starting date.
Remember your course is not official until a course number has been issued. This is very important and late registration has all sorts of implications not least that of insurance. So...please take note. Also if you want me to post your course on the new 'Course Finder' section of Lifesavers then 10 days would be the very minimum necessary to do so. This service is in addition to the posting on 'Lifeguards Ireland' website.

I understand your position; in that you are waiting to the very last minute to consolidate the maximum number of candidates on your courses. However, I do think it is best that you put a definite closing date up on the website and stick to that!! Also please remember that once a course is registered you cannot add extra candidates to it - for the same reasons as stated above. NBLQ courses are rather different that that of a NPLQ in administration.

So, set a closing date at least 10 working days in advance of proposed start date and collect in your deposits. I think that we have all learned not to accept candidates without a substantial deposit. No, not even your cousin !!

Jack

Developing the Beach Lifeguard Programme

2009-04-04T16:44:00.003+01:00

With the ever increasing growth in the Beach Lifeguard programme there is now an urgent need to develop equipment available on courses. To run a successful course TAs should consider the following recommendations as minimum equipment -

4 x Rescue Tubes
4 x Little Annies
1 x Little Junior
1 x Little Baby
2 Laerdal face masks
Sterile cleaning product for manikins and masks etc
1 x Statutory First Aid Kit
1 x First Aid Training Kit
1 x Metronome (optional)
12 x Bright Coloured Swimming Hats
2 x Fox Whistles
1 x Set of Hand Held Signal Flags
1 x Set of Beach Marker Flags
1 x Malibu Surf Rescue Board
2 x Throw Bags
1 x Throw Rescue Rope

Now there is lots more that I know you can suggest to this list. So let's have it!And remember this is in addition to the 'Beach Lifeguard' book which new candidates will automatically receive on all courses registered through Lifeguards Ireland.

Now all TAs within the Lifeguards Ireland umbrella group have been signed off for the Malibu, paddle craft, surf modules and indeed let's not forget knots!!

So we need to plan courses to include a least the Malibu board especially where the candidates include experienced surfers. And let's face it we all can learn the knots, can't we? The surf module has proven to be a little more difficult as the logistics of same require a little more in the planning. However, the demand is there so I think it is time to make preparations for a course addressed at existing holders of the NBLQ and those that have proven surf experience.

Local Authorities (Co.Council) Beach Lifeguard Tests

2009-03-26T10:09:00.006Z

This is a summary of what you should expect if you have applied to work for a Local Authority (Co. Council).

IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFO CONTACT US.

ELEMENTS OF BEACH LIFEGUARD TEST

Water work

1. 75-meter approach with canbuoy (timed) followed by 75-meter carry (efficiency)

2. 25-meter head up approach, release and 25 meter carry (Method A)

3. 25-meter head up approach, release and 25 meter carry (Method B)

4. 25-meter head up approach, release and 25 meter carry (Method C)

5. Demonstrate deep-water resuscitation

6. Carry out systematic search of a designated area of the pool

(Water Work Section is Continuous)

7. Demonstrate Basic Lift Support and Aftercare, Adult and Infant

8. Theory on: Basic Lift Support, First Aid and General Lifeguard Duties and
Responsibilities.

9. Some Local Authorities will have different tests to cater for the varying conditions the Lifeguard will work in. e.g. rivers, lakes, piers surfing beaches etc

Recommended Lifeguard Equipment

2009-03-25T18:04:00.006Z

ILS have recommendations for both personal use and station equipment for Lifeguards, but remember these are only recommendations! You can download the two documents on our 'Documents Download' web page.

The next recommendation has to include a RWC!!

International Life Saving

2009-03-25T17:18:00.004Z

INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Do you know that International Life Saving Federation is the world authority in the global effort to prevent drowning and regroups national life saving organisations/federations aiming at improving water safety, water rescue, lifesaving and lifeguarding and lifesaving sport. ILS is a non-political, non-religious, worldwide organisation.

Did you know that ILS has 'Equivalency Tables'for many of the awards/qualifications issued in its member organisations. ILS issues certificates to qualified persons who wish to be recognised internationally for their level of training.

ILS certificates do not represent a license that guarantees employment, but they do confirm that the holder of the certificate has successfully completed a course of training which meets minimum internationally recognised competencies developed by ILS.
Upon recommendation of the Education Committee, the ILS Board of Directors approved that owners of certificates issued by Full Member Lifesaving Federations can earn ILS Certificates. The tables are solely to be interpreted in one direction, from national certificate to ILS certificate.

Need more info? Well, email me.

Employment Beach Lifeguards Summer Season

2009-03-23T08:30:00.004Z

LIFEGUARD JOBS (Beach and Pool)

That time has arrived again. The Local Authorities are now recruiting for positions on the beaches throughout the country. It is now necessary to hold a beach award or a qualification. We naturally recommend that yoy hold the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NBLQ). You should check your local newspapers for adverts or contact the Water Safety Development Officer in the county or indeed counties that you hope to work in.

Most important check out the web site ' Local Government Jobs ' and search each county for notices of recruitment and remember to check back !! The web site link is http://www.localgovernmentjobs.ie/

Another good web site for POOL and LEISURE CENTRE jobs is http://www.jobs.ie/

Now back to beaches -

Firstly, you need to be making application to the Local Authority of your choice and indeed to a few others too, in case you don't get the one you want!! Most, if not all applications close around the end of March. Remember County Mayo comes highly recommended but then I am biased !!

Secondly, you need to be training for the water assessments and I really mean training. The tests are carried out by IWS on behalf of the Local Authorities. Remember the emphasis is on fitness and speed and it is against the clock and all held in a pool. The Life Support is the same as is taught by Lifesavers RLSS so hopefully it should not pose a great difficulty. Then you have the 'physical contact' rescues. While we in Lifesavers RLSS puts emphasis on non-contact rescues and the use of professional rescue equipment, you will be required to demonstrate your 'physical contact' lifesaving skills in this discipline.

Finally, if you get through all that you will be called for an interview by the Local Authority. Stress your professional training and discipline - that's what make you as a Lifesaver RLSS Beach Lifeguard special and different. All Local Authorities look for commitment and are impressed by appearance and presentation.

Good Luck !!

lifeguards

Assistant Beach Lifeguard

2009-03-16T16:00:00.007Z

This is an exciting award development in the whole area of lifeguarding. It will promote the wider programme and provide a launch pad for those aspiring to complete the full NBLQ. It still requires a high degree of fitness, swimming stamina and as much knowledge and theory on beach lifeguarding and includes Life Support 3. However, while the element of swimming against the clock is retained - it is probably not quite as demanding as the NBLQ.

This new award and the Emergency Outdoor Supervisor and the Rescue Paddle Craft (malibu board), which may in addition, carry the Surf endorsement, will go a long way to address the needs of the safety issues on our beaches and fill the need for additional qualifications/awards required by the industry. I hope too that other sporting bodies will recognise the potential of these awards and qualifications. Have a look at the syllabus on the 'Documents Download' page of our website.

The new Rescue Power Craft (RWC) qualification is also now available and I welcome it. The jet-ski is one of the greatest potential pieces of rescue equipment available to a Lifeguard. I have written about this in a previous blog. There is a real need for Lifeguards to take note of the issues involved to adopt jet-skis as their own and to encourage the regulation and safety of these craft.

Let's have your views!!

TA Membership and LS3

2009-03-16T14:41:00.005Z

INFORMATION NOTE TO ALL POOL AND BEACH TRAINER ASSESSORS

This blog seeks to address the confusion that seems to have arisen with regard to the requirements of holding a valid TA appointment and membership.

Membership is a continuous requirement. So if you have allowed it to lapse and seek to renew it, then it will be back dated, and does not start from your payment date. Bit like your car tax really !

You must be in proper membership at time of training or assessing. Proper membership is to the fee for the appropriate discipline/s to which you are training and assessing.

To operate as a TA in any discipline you must hold a valid and current LS3. This may be as part of a valid and current NPLQ or of a valid and current NBLQ. If you do not have either a NPLQ or a NBLQ then you, as a TA, must have a 'stand alone' LS3. So even though you may have paid your TA membership fee - it is dependent on a current LS3 as described here.

All awards and qualifications expire on the date printed on the card or certificate. If it is expired then it is expired - even if it is only 12 hours!! This is not difficult to understand.

To maintain your status in any particular discipline as a TA, it is necessary to attend the updates relevant to that discipline. Many of these updates are now done by 'distance updates'.

Notice of all updates and other requirements are clearly printed and flagged in your LIFEGUARD magazine. They are also published in 'LIFEGUARD LINKS' which is the quarterly newsletter of IQL IRELAND. You can subscribe to the newsletter by contacting IQL IRELAND.

Notice of these updates and other courses are also published the website of LIFEGUARDS IRELAND.

In addition, you should know that all back issues of 'LIFEGUARDS LINKS' to 2004 to date are available on-line on our 'Documents Download' page.

If you are not receiving your copy of the LIFEGUARD magazine then it is because of one of two reasons -
You are NOT in membership so they stop sending out anything to you.
River House have an incorrect postal address for you and it is being sent elsewhere.

It is up to YOU to maintain your qualifications and your appointment, reminders are not sent to you - please read all your documents and material carefully. Invalid return forms are simply returned and it is possible that candidates on such an invalid course may have a legal case against either or both, the Trainer and Assessor.

So now please check all your cards and certificates. Do you remember where they are ?

Any questions by email only please !!

Best Regards to Everyone
Jack

Hoping to come to Ireland and work as a LIFEGUARD ?

2009-03-10T09:52:00.005Z

Important Information you should know before you come to IRELAND

We have received numerous emails from all around the world seeking work as a Lifeguard here in Ireland. Getting a job on the beach or in a pool is not that easy !!Firstly, you will need to be a Citizen of the European Union to gain residence in Ireland and indeed there could be restrictions even within this category. If you are from outside the EU you will need a work permit. In both cases you should check with the Irish Embassy in your own country before even thinking of coming to Ireland.

The competition for positions on beaches is hotly contested and you will be required to successfully complete tests in water fitness, life saving skills and resuscitation before being even considered for a position. These tests usually take place around Easter time. Jobs are advertised in the local and national papers so you need to have access to these too!!

Employment is pools is somewhat similar and while your qualifications may be recognised that in itself is not a guarantee of employment. If you have qualifications, such as Surf Instructor, in addition to to that of a Lifeguard then opportunities do exist in Outdoor Leisure and Adventure Centres.

So...... our advice is firstly to check if you can enter and stay in the country legally. Secondly check websites and links for prospective jobs and the requirements and qualifications that may be required for any such position. If you want to work as a Beach Lifeguard then contact any on the maritime local authorities (County Councils) immediately for full details.Not easy is it ? lifeguards

New NBLQ and Surf Rescue

2009-02-03T12:14:00.004Z

Surf Lifeguard Malibu Board in your NBLQ

It's brilliant now to have both the new Beach Lifeguard Manual and the new NBLQ syllabus for the summer. But the inclusion of the additional specialist units is where it is really at !! The development of the surf rescue and malibu surf board are the main interests for me, but let's not forget the kayaks, advance fitness, spinal cord injury management (SCIM), Rescue Boat, AED/Oxygen and PWC.

So the next thing is to get the BLG-TAs up to speed and start to deliver the new units, well the surf rescue and malibu board !!

Talk to your BLG-TA and find out when he/she plans to do a new course.

Hoping to go to the USA ?

2009-01-10T08:35:00.001Z

Want to travel and work as a Lifeguard abroad ?

We have been asked where are the best job opportunities this year for Lifeguards. Is it in Australia ? Check out the web!! The USA is the place to be if you wish to work as a Lifeguard this summer. Check out the web. Jobs everywhere!! Money is not always great but the experience is wonderful !! The work is mainly in open water swimming pools and there is a real shortage of Lifeguards this year.

Your RLSS Lifeguard Qualifications are readily accepted. But a few points to remember before you book your ticket! Check out any potential employer, most especially if it is not a State body or organisation. Make sure they are reputable and know your rate of pay. Do you need a visa? Remember you may have to do a 'local' test in both the water and in Life Support. If sending off credentials in advance - send only copies, never the originals. Let us know how you get on by sending us an email info@lifeguardsireland.com or post a comment to this Blog.
And above all -

"In Sea or Pools - know the Rules,
Take Care, be Aware"

APPROVED SURF SCHOOLS 2008/09

2007-06-28T15:17:00.001+01:00

SURF SCHOOLS AND APPROVAL SYSTEM 1st. June 2007 to 31st. May 2008
ISA Approved surf schools commit to operating under internationally recognised standards for the safe operation of surf schools to ensure that your experience of surfing is a safe and enjoyable one.
The ISA highly recommends using an ISA Approved surf school or club.
Approved Schools 1 June 2007 - 31st May 2008

Co Antrim

Troggs Surf Shop, 88 Main Street, Portrush, Co Antrim. Tel +44 (0) 28 70 825476 (From Rep of Ireland 048 70 825476) E-mail surflessons@troggs.comWebsite http://www.troggs.com/

Co Donegal

Adventure Ireland / Donegal Adventure Holidays, Donegal Adventure Centre & Surf School, Bundoran, Co Donegal Tel (353) 719842418 or 42412, Fax (353) 719842429 E-mail info@donegaladventurecentre.net Website http://www.donegaladventurecentre.net/or http://www.adventure-ireland.com/

Adventure One Surf School, Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad, Co. Donegal, Tel 074 91 50262 E-mail iain@adventureone.netWebsite http://www.adventureone.net/

Bundoran Surf Co, Main Street, Bundoran, Co Donegal, Tel 071 98 41968. E-mail info@bundoransurfco.comWebsite http://www.bundoransurfco.com/

Fin Mc Cool Surf School, Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal. Tel 071 9859020 or 086 8409909 E-mail finmccools@gmail.com Website http://www.donegalsurfing.com/

Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Churchill, Letterkenny. Co. Donegal Tel. 074 9137032 Fax 074 9137254 E-mail office@gartan.com Website http://www.gartan.com/

ISS Inishowen Surf School, Inishowen, Co Donegal, Tel 087 7773323 E-mail danielgallanagh@eircom.net Website http://www.inishowensurfschool.com/

TurfnSurf Lodge and Surf School, 6 Bay View Terrace, The Peak, Bundoran, Co Donegal, Tel 087 2830667/ 071 9841091 Website http://www.turfnsurf.ie/ E-mail info@turfnsurf.ie

Co Sligo

Perfect Day Surf School, Strandhill, Co Sligo Tel 071 91 28488/ 087 2029399 E-mail info@perfectdaysurfing.comWebsite http://www.perfectdaysurfing.com/

Seventh Wave Surf School, Enniscrone, Co Sligo Tel 087 9716389 E-mail seventhwavesurfschool@yahoo.co.uk Website http://www.seventhwavesurfschool.com/

Strandhill Surf School, Beach Stores, Strandhill, Co Sligo, Tel 071 91 68483/087 2870817 E-mail strandhillsurfschool@eircom.netWebsite http://www.strandhillsurfschool.com/

North West Surf School, Enniscorne, Co Sligo Tel 087 9595556 E-mail info@nwsurfschool.com Website http://www.nwsurfschool.com/

Co Mayo

Surf Mayo, Bridge Street, Louiseburgh, Co Mayo, Tel 087 6212508, E-mail mailto:info@surfmayo.comoror emmet03@eircom.netWebsite http://www.surfmayo.com/

UISCE, Elly Bay, Clochar P.O, Ballina, Co Mayo Tel 097 82111, E-mail eolas@uisce.com Website http://www.uisce.com/

Co Clare

Aloha Surf School, Fanore, Co Clare, Tel 087 2133996 E-mail enquiries@surfschool.tvWebsite http://www.surfschool.tv/

Ben's Surf Clinic, Lahinch, Co Clare, Tel 0868448622, E-mail ben@benssurfclinic.com Website http://www.benssurfclinic.com/

Lahinch Surf School, Ballyfaudeen, Lahinch, Co Clare, Tel 065 7082061 Mobile 087 9609667 or 065 7082061 E-mail lahinchsurfschool@eircom.net Website http://www.lahinchsurfschool.com/

Co Kerry

Jamie Knox Watersports, The Maharees, Castlegregory, Co Kerry, Tel: (00353) 066 7139411. Website http://www.jamieknox.com/ E-mail jamieknox@eircom.net

KingdomWaves Surf School, Tralee, Co Kerry, Tel 087 7447958 E-mail tom@kingdomwaves.com Website http://www.kingdomwaves.com/

West Coast Surf School, Dingle, Co. Kerry. Tel 086 3067053 E-mail jamiebann@hotmail.com Website http://westcoastsurfschool.ie/

Co Cork

Gtown Surf School, Garrettstown, Ballinspittle, Co Cork. Tel 021 4778884 or 087 8768549 E-mail info@surfgtown.comWebsite http://www.surfgtown.com/

West Cork Surf School, Inchydoney, Clonakilty, Co Cork Tel 086 8695396 E-mail col@westcorksurfing.comWebsite http://www.westcorksurfing.com/

Co Waterford

T-Bay Surf School, T-Bay Surf & Eco Centre, On the Beach, Tramore, Co Waterford, Tel 051 391297 Email info@surftbay.com or brittasbay@ireland.com Website http://www.surftbay.com/

Oceanic Manoeuvres Surf School, The Red Cottage, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Tel. 051 390944 E-mail http://oceanicmanoeuvres.com and http://www.oceanics.ie/

Life Support for NBLQ holders.

2006-09-09T15:32:00.000+01:00

So we now have the new 'Life Support' protocols for Beach Lifeguards and soon to be made available to holders of the NPLQ and to Lifesavers. What do you make of it? It is certainly easier to remember and to teach.

Do you understand the rationale behind the changes? Have you any comments ? Let me know.

Beautiful Weather !! Heatwave in Ireland!!

2006-07-05T17:07:00.000+01:00

So I take it all back!! After writing about the terrible weather in May I really have to say that it is a long time since I remember a summer like this. Long may it continue !! In Ireland we are living on the new European Riviera.

New Beach Lifeguard Syllabus

2006-07-05T16:55:00.000+01:00

Well the good news is that it is almost out !! All the new additional specialist modules and most especially the 'Surf Rescue' are now being rolled out. The new protocols in Life Support are also included. I would expect that all TA's in every discipline will shortly be updated in Life Support.

Check your post box and if you have not been receiving mail then I have two questions for you -

Is your membership paid up to date ?

Has River House got your current and correct address ?

If not, then get moving and don't be left behind.

Weather Forecast

2006-05-22T12:18:00.000+01:00

Is that not our most common topic in Ireland? I think we should re-define our climate category. Are we really a temperate maritime climate? It is so cold!! It is so wet !! It is so windy!! Moan....Moan ....... So what to do? I certainly don't see any signs of global warming. OK, so if the icebergs are melting is that why the ocean is so cold? An old friend of mine had a verse " cast not a clout till May is out". So what is the rest of the verse? What is the plan of action for June/July/Aug.

Anyway............. As is often said to end a conversation that one does not relish. On the positive side that grass is so green and the trees are really sweetly blooming. The swallows have returned and I am waiting patiently on the call of the Cuckoo. I would love to hear a corncrake. Just once. So if you heard a bird calling please let me know. Have need will travel!!

ISA Surf Seniors Success in Lifeguarding

2006-01-12T18:43:00.000Z

Congrats to Tom, KT, Andy, Pete and Rick on successful qualifying as National Beach Lifeguards. It was a great course with a 'serious' input from the lads. This is the first group to achieve the additional specialist module of " SURF LIFEGUARD". It is only right that this recognition should go in the first instance, to them. All are leaders in the surfing scene and in the Irish Surfing Association. Tom is the ISA Senior Coach and also runs his own surf school. He can be contacted in Strandhill, Co. Sligo at his surf shop - 'Perfect Day'. KT or Kevin runs his surf school out of Dungloe, Co. Donegal. It's called Doey Surf School. Andy can be contacted at Irish Surfing Association headquarters in Easkey, Co. Sligo. Pete is the 'main man' at Bundoran Surf Company operating his surf school and running his surf shop. Rick works along with Pete. If you are interested in learning how to surf or about surf them these are the guys. If you have young family wishing to get started surfing then go for it! Here are their their website links -

Check out the web link for details of APPROVED SURF SCHOOLS -

'Irish Surfing Association'

Remember to check out the safety advice specially written for surfers on the ISA website. You can download their safety leaflet.

" In sea or pools - know the rules,

Take Care and Be Aware "

lifeguards

Thanks for a great summer Lads!! JB

Jet-skis for Beach Lifeguards

2006-01-12T18:19:00.001Z

lifeguards

When I read about jet-skis in the newspapers it always seems to be bad press. Now I read that some Local Authorities are preparing to introduce by-laws to control their use on beaches. Well this makes sense as like many of you I have seen some crazy behavior on beaches where both swimmers and surfers are in the water. Not only can they present a danger to other water users but also to themselves. Accidents also happen, not necessary as a result of bad behavior, and sadly this has resulted in loss of life.

But having said that..... wehat about the positive side. I think that they could be a tremendous asset to Lifeguards. You can get out through the surf breaks with ease and go from point A to B in secs !! One Lifeguard could cover a zone more effectively and speedily. This system works well in Lanzarote. From the employers perspective it could be cost effective as it might mean less Lifeguards!

The introduction of proper training and a licensing system for the individual rider would be a good start. Limiting the age to which one can opertate a ski and enforced control of the 'renting out' of skis could also help.

We are all waiting (patiently!) on the introduction of the 'additional specialist modules' to the beach Lifeguard programme, especially surf rescue and advanced Lifeguard fitness. So come on RLSS - let's have a 'specialist' additional module to the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification to develop the skills of Lifeguards in the use of jet-skis!!.

Litter on Irish Beaches and in our Seas.

2006-01-12T18:19:00.000Z

I was reading a very interesting article last night - which I suppose shocked me! Not that I am sure that it was 100% correct in the detail but it sure made me think. So let me share some of the points that I picked up on and may'be some learned scientist out in cyberspace could put me right -

It is suggested that plastic is one of the big problems in the oceans of the world. It is so strong and does not break down easily. It's light so it floats and gets caught in boat propellers and nets. It is suggested that over 80% of marine pollution comes from the land.

Leatherback turtles found in Irish waters are known to mistake plastic bags for their favourite food which of course is jellyfish! Once in the animal's stomach the poor turtle slowly dies. Plastic six-pack rings get stuck around the necks of seabirds. So what about bio-degradable plastics? It seems that it needs sunlight to breakdown so when buried in landfills it lasts just as long as other plastics. Over 150 marine species in our waters are known and recorded to have become entangled with plastics.

Another fact to ponder. Is it true that radioactive chemicals in the seas will be there for the tens of thousands of years from now?

Consider what happens to our rubbish when left on our beaches or dumped at sea. This it seems, is how long it takes to breakdown in our waters -

Paper 2-4 months. Cigarette butts 0-12 years. Plastic wrappers and bags 10-20 years. Nylon Fabrics 30-40 years. Tin Cans 80-100 years. Plastic six-packs holders 450 years. Monofilament line and Styrofoam cups etc., non-bio-degradable so it will be there forever!!
It must be just scare tactics? Please someone tell me this cannot be true? If it is then I for one am pleased that the Minister introduced a levy on plastic carrier bags. I do hope that the new waste management programmes being introduced by Government and Local Authorities are supported, implimented and most of all enforced. It makes sewage pollution seem positively harmless!! So all you marine biologists and scientists give me the true facts about our seas and oceans. I like to hear what surfers have to say about pollution on our beaches and in our waters around Ireland. And another thing!! What is the foam that is blown up onto the beaches? Tell me about fertilisers washed into our rivers, streams and seas. What exactly does it do to our environment?? Answers please someone ....?

A Day at the Seaside 1956

2006-01-12T18:12:00.000Z

Would you believe ? This is a lot of memories !! Or is it a case of where are they now ?? Those days were really hot and the sun always shone. Honest! Warm Cidona and soggy sandy sandwiches. Clegs or 'pissmires' which brought up the most vicious lump, which you scratched until it bled. Were you brave enough to pick up a jellyfish on the beach? A 6d (penny) ice-cream between two wavers was a real treat but you had to eat it up quickly before it melted. Then you got the dreaded ice-cream headache .... but it was worth it! The sea was so refreshingly cool and we were so brave as we skipped through the foam and ebbing ripples.

Last Chance in 2005 for the Beach Lifeguard Courses

2005-08-29T19:52:00.000+01:00

So all you guys that have been emailing Lifeguards Ireland ............... this is it !! Courses for the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification in 2005 are winding down. If you are waiting for the snow, well ok, there are courses in Feb 2006.
However, if not then check out our 'Courses' page right now.

Why can't I get support to run Lifesaving Classes ?

2005-06-27T20:19:00.000+01:00

In response to the email you sent out with clippings I would like to say that I hate to see a lonely neglected man so here I am!!
Reading about these stories from other countries funnily enough has drawn my attention to the current situation in Ireland. I myself am living in County Galway and am sad of hearing about deaths through drowning in the Corrib. I believe that there are a lot of young men out there between the ages of 20 to 28 committing suicide, indeed many choosing to drown themselves.

I live near a lake and in view of that and as I have two boys of my own that I would like to do something that would benefit the community and also create more awareness about the lake by running a swim /rookie camp on the lake.As a qualified Swimming Teacher, a Lifesaver and Pool Lifeguard Trainer I want to help make a contribution and increase water safety knowledge - without all the politics and stepping on anyone’s toes!! Every time I try to do something, as a RLSS Trainer Assessor, in this field I am passed on to the faceless ‘chairman’ and subsequently fobbed off - when all I want to do is help with safety in water. I have the skills but it seems that the ‘establishment’ does not want to know.

Hass anyone else come up against this problem and met this attitude?

Has any body done anything about it in Ireland I would be interested in talking to them...

Regards,Suzanne
You can email me at - info@connachtsafety.com

Click here for 'Photo Gallery'

2005-06-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

I found a satellite photograph of the storm which hit the Irish coast on the 11th. Jan. 2005. I have to say I have never seen anything like it on our weather charts before or since. Have a look - I have also posted it into the 'Photo Gallery'. It sure scared the s*** out of me !! Does anyone remember ' her ' name ?

So what is it like to lifeguard in Ireland? Is it the same as Hawaii? Ummm! So we have also added a photo of Dublin Lifeguards to the 'Photo Gallery'. We think it needs a caption and a description. Can you help? If you are one of the Lifeguards in the pic - then let us know.

Are there any Pool Life Guard Courses in Dublin ?

2005-04-05T18:19:00.000+01:00

Are there no Pool Lifeguard Courses anywhere in Dublin? We have contacted all the pools in our area. Nothing!! So what's up? Courses just simply don't exist. My friend and me are hoping to travel to the US to work this summer and need a lifeguard qualification. We are willing to travel within a reasonable distance of Dublin. Can you help ?
Eamonn. Dublin 15