Outback Lifesavers graduates are: at the back (L-R) Alexandra Smith, Blake Price, Thomas Ball, Matty Price, Joshua Ball, William Ellis, Caitlin Douglas and Christie Pisani (Trainer). Front: Jayden Kuun, Kelly Ellis, Bailey Price, Kalvin Hines-Dargin and Nicole Ellis.
Twelve local kids spent the school holidays learning lifesaving skills as part of the first intake of the Outback Lifesavers program held at Parkes Aquatic Centre.
The program was developed by Parkes Shire trainers, Nikki Thornhill and Christie Pisani, in conjunction with Royal Lifesaving Society Australia (RLSSA) to provide children aged 10 to 16 with lifesaving survival and rescue skills. The aim is to prevent instances of drowning in rural and remote communities.
“The one-hour practical lessons over five consecutive days each had a different focus including water safety awareness, resuscitation, first aid, spinal injury management, rescue techniques, recognising an emergency and team building,” said Parkes Aquatic Centre Coordinator, Nikki Thornhill.
Six of the participants went on to complete their bronze medallion.