YMCA duo win rookie lifeguard certificates

Rory McAuley and Katie McNally, both aged 11, received certificates, badges and lifeguard whistles as part of the RLSS Rookie Lifeguard programme, which aims to equip young people with the skills to keep themselves and others safe in or around water. The programme was run in conjunction with Larne Leisure Centre and the Royal Life Saving Society.

RLSS trainer assessor, Robin Bates, said: “This is a great achievement for these two young people; they have worked exceptionally hard both in the pool and on dryside learning the practical water skills and theory needed to keep themselves and others safe in or near water. They have completed a life support award where they demonstrated how they would deal with casualties, administer CPR and, very importantly, how to get help.”

Meanwhile, Larne YMCA had a visit from counterparts in Stranraer to discuss the possibility of joint projects. At the end of a busy day, Larne YMCA youth worker Dean Nutt said: “There is a very natural link between the two associations. We will be working hard to develop this link as we strive to provide quality relevant programmes for our children and young people.”